Inhibitors of hepatitis c virus polymerase

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides, among other things, compounds represented by the general Formula I: (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein L and A (and further substituents) are as defined in classes and subclasses herein and compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) comprising such compounds, which compounds are useful as inhibitors of hepatitis C virus polymerase, and thus are useful, for example, as medicaments for the treatment of HCV infection.

The invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods forinhibition of the hepatitis C virus.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-strandedRNA virus, of the genus Hepacivirus, belonging to the familyFlaviviridae. Infection by HCV is a leading cause of liver disease andcirrhosis in humans. Transmission occurs primarily by way ofpercutaneous exposure to infected blood, typically involving use ofinjected drugs or injury with objects contaminated with blood, but isalso associated with sexual contact with infected partners. Thanks toviral testing, risk of transmission by blood transfusion or bytransplant is extremely low. Infection is often asymptomatic, orsymptoms are mild, and about 15-20% of infected persons are able toclear the virus without treatment. However, infection in the remaining80-85% of infected persons develops into persistent infection, which maybe life-long, causing liver disease, which can lead to cirrhosis andhepatocellular carcinoma. HCV infection is the most common chronicblood-borne disease in the United States, affecting about 4 millionpeople and causing about 12,000 deaths per year. “Evaluation of AcuteHepatitis C Infection Surveillance—United States, 2008,” MMWR, Nov. 5,2010, 59(43). Approximately 170 million persons around the world havechronic hepatitis C infection. Chen et al., Int J Med Sci, 2006,3(2):47-52. Personal consequences of HCV infection include decreasedlife expectancy, chronic debilitating liver disease and possibly livercancer, and risk of infection of sexual partners and health careworkers. Economic consequences of chronic HCV infection in the UnitedStates are exceedingly large. Direct medical costs have been estimatedat $10.7 billion per year for the 10-year period 2010-2019, withsocietal costs projected to be $54.2 billion, and the cost of morbidityfrom disability projected to be $21.3 billion. Id.

The hepatitis C virus has been intensively studied, and much is knownabout its genetics and biology. For an overview of this subject, seeTan, Ed., Hepatitis C Viruses: Genomes and Molecular Biology, HorizonBioscience, Norfolk, UK (2006). HCV has a simple genome that resides ina single open reading frame of about 9.6 kb. The genome is translated inthe infected cell to yield a single polyprotein consisting of about 3000amino acids, which is then proteolytically processed by host and viralenzymes to produce at least 10 structural and non-structural (NS)proteins. The virus is diversified in infected humans into 16 differentantigenically and/or genetically identifiable subtypes or genotypes,some of which are further subdivided into subtypes.

HCV rapidly mutates as it replicates, and is believed to exist as aviral quasispecies, meaning that it mutates rapidly as it replicates togenerate many competing genetic varieties of the virus having comparableevolutionary fitness. This intrinsic generation of many varieties in asingle infected person makes it very difficult to isolate a singlevariety for development of a vaccine, and is believed to be associatedwith the difficulty in developing a vaccine, development of resistanceof the virus to specific pharmaceuticals, and persistence of the virusin the host. It is possible that the virus able to develop intoimmunologically distinct quasispecies under the pressure of the immuneresponse of the host, thereby allowing it to survive and persist.

Another factor making it difficult to develop treatments for HCVinfection is the narrow range of hosts and a notoriously difficultproblem of propagating the virus in cell culture. Most research has beendone using pseudoparticle systems. Pseudoparticles consist primarily ofnucleocapsids surrounded by a lipid envelope and contain HCVglycoprotein complexes. These pseudoparticles have been used toelucidate the early stages of the viral replication cycle and receptorbinding, and to study neutralizing antibodies. Notwithstanding,pseudoparticles have a significant limitation in that they cannotrecapitulate the full replication cycle. Other systems described forinvestigation of HCV include culture of subgenomic RNAs in Huh-7 cells,and culture in primary human hepatocytes, and surrogate models such asthe bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV).

Significant research has also been done in synthetic RNA replicons,which self-amplify in human hepatoma cells and recapitulate much, butnot all, of the HCV replication cycle. Heretofore, such replicons havebeen subgenomic, and have also been unable to yield infectious viralparticles. Moreover, such a replicon system appears to function onlyusing the 1b genotype of HCV (HCV1b). More recently, HCV cell culturehas become possible through the isolation of the JFH-1 clone (HCV 2a).While its uniqueness remains incompletely understood, JFH-1 replicatesto high levels in Huh-7 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cells and other celltypes in culture, and produces infectious particles. Serial passage ofJFH-1 has caused it to become genetically conditioned to cell cultureconditions and it may no longer be representative of clinical isolatesof the virus, but the viral particles are apparently functional virions,insofar as they are infectious in culture and in inoculated animalsbearing human liver xenografts. Apparently, the efficiency of JFH-1replication depends significantly upon the NS5B gene of the clone.Replacement with NS5B genes from other genotypes is difficult. Woerz etal., 2009, J Viral Hepat, 16(1):1-9. Other replicon systems have beendeveloped with various replication markers and for different HCVgenotypes, including HCV 1a and HCV 2a. See, Huang et al., “Hepatitis CVirus-related Assays,” Chapter 2 in Hepatitis C: Antiviral DrugDiscovery and Development, S-L Tan and Y He, eds., Caister AcademicPress (2011), at pp 56-57.

Approved pharmaceutical treatments include injection of interferon,typically pegylated versions including peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys®)or peginterferon alfa-2b (PegIntron®). Clinical use of pegylatedinterferon was approved by FDA in 2001. Ribavirin (e.g., Ribasphere®,Virazole®, Copegus®, Rebetol®), a guanosine analog that hasbroad-spectrum activity against viruses, is used to treat HCV infection,but appears not to be effective against HCV when used as a monotherapy.Current standard-of-care therapy includes administering peginterferon incombination with ribavirin. This regimen is limited because of sideeffects (e.g., flu-like symptoms, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia,depression, and anemia) and only moderate efficacy; success is dependentin part on the genotype predominating in the patient. See Ghany et al.,Hepatology, 2011, 54(4):1433-44.

In addition to the pegylated interferon/ribavirin regimen, threedifferent direct-acting antiviral agents have been approved for use inhumans having HCV infection. These include sofosbuvir (Sovaldi®; GileadSciences), an NS5B polymerase inhibitor; simeprevir (Olysio®; JanssenPharmaceuticals), an NS3 protease inhibitor and ledipasvir (GileadSciences), an NS5A inhibitor. Numerous alternative pharmaceuticalapproaches to treatment of HCV infection are still in research anddevelopment. For example, recombinant and modified interferon moleculeshave also been the subject of development programs, including, e.g.,recombinant alfa interferon (BLX-883; Locteron®; Biolex/Octoplus) andalbinterferon alfa 2b (Zalbin®; Human Genome Sciences).

The HCV protein NS3-4A, a serine protease, which is an enzyme essentialfor replication of the virus, has been the subject of intensivepharmaceutical research. A number of companies are seeking to developinhibitors of this enzyme. Some of the earlier molecules are telaprevir(Incivek®, VX-950; Vertex) and boceprevir (Victrelis®, SCH503034; Merck& Co.), each of which was approved as direct-acting antiviral agent.These various molecules may be useful as single therapeutics, but someare also being investigated in combination with interferon/ribavirintherapies and/or compounds that may be effective against HCV via othermechanisms. However, viral resistance to individual protease inhibitorsis believed to occur easily. Morrison and Haas, In Vivo, May 2009,42-47.

The NS5B polymerase of HCV is also undergoing study. This protein is anRNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is essential for thesynthesis of viral RNA, and consequently, for the completion of theviral life cycle. An overview of the NS5B protein is available atChapter 10 of Tan, supra.

Many groups are currently working on developing inhibitors of the NS5Bpolymerase. Wang et al. (J Biol Chem 2003, 278(11), 9489-95) report thatcertain non-nucleoside molecules bind to an allosteric site on thepolymerase, interfering with a conformational change required foractivity. Biswal et al. (J Biol Chem, 2005, 280(18), 18202-10) reportcrystal structures indicating that the NS5B polymerase exhibits twoconformations, with a gross structure resembling the classical fingers,palm, and thumb domains of other polymerases. This paper also showcocrystal structures for two inhibitors bound to the polymerase, andoffers hypotheses on the mechanism of polymerase inhibition. Li et al.(J Med Chem, 2007, 50(17):3969-72) report on some dihydropyronecompounds that are said to be orally available allosteric inhibitors.See also Li et al., J Med Chem, 2009, 52:1255-58.

Inhibitors of NS5B may be classified broadly into three groups:nucleoside analogues (NI), non-nucleoside analogues (NNI), andpyrophosphate compounds (PPi). See, Powdrill et al., Viruses, 2010,2:2169-95 and Appleby et al., “Viral RNA Polymerase Inhibitors,” Chapter23 in Viral Genome Replication, Cameron et al., eds., SpringerScience+Business Media 2009.

Nucleoside analogue compounds (NI), which bind at the enzyme active siteand compete with natural nucleoside triphosphates, interfere with viralRNA synthesis. A number of these compounds have entered clinical trials.Nucleoside inhibitors include, for example, IDX184 (Idenix), RG7128(RO5024048; Pharmasset/Roche), and most notably the recently-approvedsofosbuvir (SOVALDI®, PSI-7977; Gilead/Pharmasset).

Non-nucleoside inhibitors, by contrast, appear to bind at allostericsites on NS5B—of which about 4 are well characterized. Id. NNI compoundsinclude, for example, filibuvir (Pfizer), tegobuvir (GS 9190; Gilead),VX-222 (Vertex), A-837093 (Abbott), ABT-072 (Abbott), ABT-333 (Abbott),and PF-868554 (Pfizer).

Also among the non-nucleoside inhibitors of NS5B are a series ofthiophene-2-carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof. See, e.g., Chan etal., Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2004, 14, 793-96; International patentpublications WO 02/100846 A1, WO 02/100851 A2, WO 2004/052879 A2, WO2004/052885 A1, WO 2006/072347 A2, WO 2006/119646 A1, WO 2008/017688 A1,WO 2008/043791 A2, WO 2008/058393 A1, WO 2008/059042 A1, WO 2008/125599A1, and WO 2009/000818 A1. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,881,741 B2,7,402,608 B2, and 7,569,600 B2. See also, Yang et al., Bioorg Med ChemLett 2010, 20, 4614-19, relating to some bioisosteres of such compounds.Other similar compounds are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,887,877 B2 and 6,936,629 B2.

Pyrophosphate compounds (PPi) mimic natural pyrophosphates releasedduring nucleotidyl transfer reactions.

Various NI and NNI compounds have shown safety or efficacy in clinicaltrials, but few have yet reached approval for use in treating humans.PPi compounds, by contrast, are generally in the investigational stage.

There remains a profound need for more effective pharmaceuticaltherapies, including medicaments that are useful as single agents or incombination with other active agents, for the treatment of hepatitis Cinfection in humans.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds represented by the generalFormula I:

and salts (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salts) thereof, wherein L,A, D, and E are as defined in classes and subclasses herein, andcompositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) comprising suchcompounds, which compounds are useful as inhibitors of hepatitis C viruspolymerase, and thus are useful, for example, as medicaments for thetreatment of HCV infection and diseases associated with or consequent tosuch infection.

In certain other embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising a compound of the invention, wherein thecompound is present in an amount effective to inhibit HCV polymeraseactivity. In certain other embodiments, the invention providespharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula I andoptionally further comprising an additional active agent to achievetherapeutic effect. In yet other embodiments, the additional activeagent is an agent that has anti-HCV activity or function.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods forinhibiting HCV polymerase activity in a subject (or optionally in abiological sample ex vivo or in vitro), comprising administering to thesubject (or contacting the biological sample) with an effectiveinhibitory amount of a compound of Formula I.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides methods fortreating any disorder constitutively associated with HCV infection orreplication or involving HCV polymerase activity, comprisingadministering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of Formula I.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, the invention provides compounds having the structuregiven as Formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,in which:

-   -   L is (a): —(CH₂)_(x)—[O(CH₂)_(w)]_(y)—O—(CR^(d) ₂)_(z)—        -   each R^(d) is selected from hydrogen, methyl, and phenyl, or            both R^(d) together with the carbon to which they are            attached form C₃₋₅cycloalkyl;        -   w is 2 to 4;        -   x is 2 to 6; and        -   y and z are each independently 0 to 5, with the proviso that            when y is 0, then (x+z) is 4 to 11; or        -   (b): —(CH₂)_(m)-G¹-C(O)-G²-C(R^(b))₂-G³-C(O)-G⁴-(CR^(c)            ₂)_(n)—, in which            -   m is 1 or 2;            -   n is 0 to 5;            -   each of G¹, G², G³, and G⁴ is independently null, O, or                NR^(a);            -   R^(a) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl,            -   each R^(b) is selected from hydrogen and methyl, or both                R^(b) together with the carbon to which they are                attached form C₃₋₅cycloalkyl,            -   each R^(c) is independently hydrogen or methyl; and    -   A is selected from C₁₋₃alkyl, —C(O)CH₃, —CO₂H, —CONHOH,        —CO₂—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C(O)NH₂, —NH₂, hydroxyl, chloropyridinyl,        —OC₁₋₂alkylene-CO₂H, —OC₁₋₂alkylene-CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl, —SC(O)CH₃,

-   -   -   in which D is —C(O)CH₃, —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂H,            —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂C₁₋₅alkyl, —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CONHOH,            —C(O)CH═C(OH)CO₂H, —C(O)CH═C(OH)CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl,            —CO₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CO₂CH₂SC₁₋₄alkyl, —CO₂Bn, or            —CO₂CH₂CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl, and E is null, halo, C₁₋₄alkyl,            —OC₁₋₄alkyl, —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₀₋₃alkylene-NH₂, or NO₂.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,wherein:

-   -   L is —(CH₂)_(x)(OCH₂CH₂)_(y)—O—(CH₂)_(z)—, in which x=2-6,        y=0-5, and z=0-5; provided that when y is 0, then (x+z) is 4 to        11; and    -   A is selected from —CO₂H, —CO₂—C₁₋₄alkyl, chloropyridinyl,

-   -   -   in which D is —CO₂H or —CO₂—C₁₋₄alkyl, and E is null, halo,            C₁₋₄alkyl, —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₀₋₃alkylene-NH₂, or NO₂.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, inwhich E is null, fluoro, methyl, NH₂ or NO₂.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, inwhich x=2, w=2, y=1, and z=1.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, inwhich x=3, y=1, and z=1.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, inwhich y is 1 to 4.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, inwhich L is —(CH₂)_(x)—(OCH₂CH₂)_(y)—O—(CH₂)_(z)—.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, inwhich L is —(CH₂)_(m)-G¹-C(O)-G²-C(O)-G⁴-(CH₂)_(n). In some embodiments,the invention provides compounds of Formula I, in which (i) G¹ is nulland G² is NH and/or (ii) G³ is null and G⁴ is NH.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, inwhich A is —CO₂H, —CONHOH, —CO₂—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C(O)NH₂,—OC₁₋₂alkylene-CO₂H, or —OC₁₋₂alkylene-CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, inwhich A is

D, D is —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂H, —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂C₁₋₅alkyl, or—(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CONHOH, and E is null. In some embodiments, theinvention provides compounds of Formula I, in which A is

D, D is —CO₂H, —CO₂CH₃, —CO₂Et, —CO₂iPr, or —CO₂-nBu, and E is null.

In some embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I, inwhich D is at the para or meta position on the phenyl group.

In various embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I,in which each R^(d) is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, andphenyl, or both R^(d) together with the carbon to which they areattached form cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, or cyclopentyl; w is 2, 3, or 4;x is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; y is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; and z is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,or 5. In some embodiments, when y is 0, (x+z) is 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,or 11. In various embodiments, the invention provides compounds ofFormula I, in which m is 1 or 2; n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; each R^(a) isindependently hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl; each R^(b) isindependently selected from hydrogen and methyl, or both R^(b) togetherwith the carbon to which they are attached form cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,or cyclopentyl; and each R^(c) is independently hydrogen or methyl. Invarious embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formula I,wherein L is —(CH₂)_(x)[O(CH₂)_(w)]_(y)—O—(CR^(d) ₂)_(z)—; A is

D is —CO₂H, —CO₂C₁₋₅alkyl, or —CONHOH; E is null; x is 4 to 6 (e.g., 5);y is 0 to 1 and w is 2 (e.g., y is 0); z is 0 to 2 (e.g., 1); and/orboth R^(d) are hydrogen. In various embodiments, the invention providescompounds of Formula I, wherein x is 5, y is 0, z is 1, both R^(d) arehydrogen, A is

D is —CO₂H (e.g., —CO₂H at the para position on the phenyl group), and Eis null.

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound selected from:

-   6-(N-(2-(2-(3-Acetylbenzyloxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide    (2-8A);-   6-[(2-{2-[2-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (2-8B);-   6-{[2-(2-{2-[2-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethyl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (2-8C);-   6-({2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (2-8D);-   6-[(2-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (2-8E);-   6-({2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (2-8F);-   6-[(2-{2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (2-9G);-   6-{[2-(2-{2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethyl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (2-8H);-   6-({2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (2-8I);-   6-[(2-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (2-8J);-   4-{3-2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9A);-   4-(3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9B);-   4-[3-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxymethyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9C);-   4-{3-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9D);-   4-(3-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9E);-   4-{4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9F);-   4-(4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9G);-   4-[4-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxymethyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9H);-   4-{4-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9I);-   4-(4-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (2-9J);-   4-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10A);-   4-(3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10B);-   4-[3-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxymethyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10C);-   4-{3-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10D);-   4-(3-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10E);-   4-{4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10F);-   4-(4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10G);-   4-[4-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxymethyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10H);-   4-{4-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10I);-   4-(4-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (2-10J);-   6-(N-(3-(2-((3-acetylbenzyl)-oxy)-ethoxy)-propyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide    (3-6A);-   4-{3-[2-(3-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-propoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (3-7A);-   4-{3-[2-(3-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-propoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (3-8A);-   6-({2-[3-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-propoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (3-6B);-   4-{3-[3-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-propoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (3-8B);-   5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-(N-(2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)    methylsulfonamido)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide (4-5);-   6-(N-(2-(2-(2-(2-Aminoethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide    (4-10);-   6-(N-(2,5,8,11-Tetraoxatridecan-13-yl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide    (5-4A);-   6-({2-[2-(2-Butoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (5-4B);-   2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid methyl ester (6-6A);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid methyl ester (6-6B);-   3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid methyl ester (6-6C);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoic    acid methyl ester (6-6D);-   4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoic    acid methyl ester (6-6E);-   3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoic    acid methyl ester (6-6F);-   2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid (6-7A);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid (6-7B);-   3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid (6-7C);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoic    acid (6-7D);-   4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoic    acid (6-7E);-   3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoic    acid (6-7F);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid ethyl ester (6-8B1);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid propyl ester (6-8B2);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid butyl ester (6-8B3);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid pentyl ester (6-8B4);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid carbamoylmethyl ester (6-8B5);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid methylsulfanylmethyl ester (6-8B6);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid benzyl ester (6-8B7);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid ethoxycarbonylmethyl ester (6-8B8);-   4-{[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-carbamoyl}-butyric    acid (7-7);-   4-(3-{[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-carbamoyl}-phenyl)-butyric    acid ethyl ester (7-9);-   4-(3-{[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-carbamoyl}-phenyl)-butyric    acid (7-10);-   4-[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-carbamoyl]-butyric    acid (8-6);-   4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (9-13A);-   4-[3-({2-[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetyl)-methyl-amino]-acetylamino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (9-13B);-   4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-2-methyl-propionylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (9-13C);-   4-[3-({[1-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-cyclopropanecarbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (9-13D);-   4-[3-({[1-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-cyclopentanecarbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (9-13E);-   4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-propionylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (9-13F);-   4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (9-14A);-   4-[3-({2-[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetyl)-methyl-amino]-acetylamino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (9-14B);-   4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-2-methyl-propionylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (9-14C);-   4-[3-({[1-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-cyclopropanecarbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (9-14D);-   4-[3-({[1-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-cyclopentanecarbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (9-14E);-   4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-propionylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid (9-14F);-   5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-pentanoic    acid methyl ester (10-3A);-   5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-2-methyl-pentanoic    acid methyl ester (10-3B);-   5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-pentanoic    acid (10-4A);-   5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-2-methyl-pentanoic    acid (10-4B);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoic    acid methyl ester (11-5A);-   3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoic    acid ethyl ester (11-5B);-   4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoic    acid methyl ester (11-5C);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoic    acid (11-6A);-   3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoic    acid (11-6B);-   4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoic    acid (11-6C);-   2-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-benzoic    acid methyl ester (12-6A);-   2-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-benzoic    acid (12-7A);-   3-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-benzoic    acid (12-7B);-   4-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-benzoic    acid (12-7C);-   4-[2-(4-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-butoxy)-ethyl]-benzoic    acid methyl ester (13-7C);-   4-[4-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-butyl]-benzoic    acid methyl ester (13-7A);-   4-[3-(3-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-propoxy)-propyl]-benzoic    acid methyl ester (13-7B);-   4-(7-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-heptyl)-benzoic    acid methyl ester (13-7D);-   4-(2-(4-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)-methylsulfonamido)butoxy)-ethyl)benzoic    acid (13-8C);-   4-[4-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-butyl]-benzoic    acid (13-8A);-   4-[3-(3-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-propoxy)-propyl]-benzoic    acid (13-8B);-   4-(7-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-heptyl)-benzoic    acid (13-8D);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoic    acid ethyl ester (14-6A);-   3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoic    acid ethyl ester (14-6B);-   4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoic    acid ethyl ester (14-6C);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoic    acid (14-7A);-   3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoic    acid (14-7B);-   4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoic    acid (14-7C);-   4-(6-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-hexyloxy)-benzoic    acid ethyl ester (15-7);-   4-(6-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-hexyloxy)-benzoic    acid (15-8);-   4-(5-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-pentyloxymethyl)-benzoic    acid methyl ester (16-6);-   4-(5-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-pentyloxymethyl)-benzoic    acid [16-7];-   5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-fluoro-benzoic    acid ethyl ester (17A-7);-   5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-fluoro-benzoic    acid (17A-8A);-   5-Cyclopropyl-6-({2-[2-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxycarbamoyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (17A-8B);-   5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-methoxy-benzoic    acid (17B-8);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-3-methyl-benzoic    acid methyl ester (18-9B);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-methyl-benzoic    acid methyl ester (18-9A);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-3-methyl-benzoic    acid (18-10B);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-methyl-benzoic    acid (18-10A);-   2-(2-((6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-methoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide    (19-8B);-   6-({2-[2-(2-Chloro-pyridin-4-ylmethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (19-8A);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic    acid ethyl ester (20-7);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic    acid (20-8);-   Thioacetic acid    S-[2-(2-{[5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethyl]    ester (21-5);-   6-(N-(2-(3-(3-Acetylphenyl)-propoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide    (22-10);-   4-{3-[3-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-propyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic    acid ethyl ester (22-11);-   4-(3-(3-(2-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)    methyl    sulfonamido)-ethoxy)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid    (22-12);-   {2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-acetic    acid tert-butyl ester [23-5A;-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionic    acid ethyl ester (23-5B);-   {2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-acetic    acid ethyl ester (23-5C);-   {2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-acetic    acid (23-6A);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionic    acid (23-6B);-   5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-({2-[2-(2-hydroxycarbamoylmethoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (23-6C);-   6-({2-[2-(2-Carbamoylmethoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (23-7A);-   3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionic    acid ethyl ester (24-3);-   3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionic    acid (24-4);-   {2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-phenyl-acetic    acid ethyl ester (25-4);-   {2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-phenyl-acetic    acid (25-5);-   5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-[(2-{2-[2-(hydroxycarbamoyl-phenyl-methoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (25-6);-   1-[2-(2-{2-[(5-Cyclopropyl-3-methylcarbamoyl-2-p-tolyl-benzofuran-6-yl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-cyclopentanecarboxylic    acid tert-butyl ester (26-6A);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-2-methyl-propionic    acid tert-butyl ester (26-6B);-   1-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-cyclopentanecarboxylic    acid (26-7A);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-2-methyl-propionic    acid (26-7B);-   5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-[(2-{2-[2-(1-hydroxycarbamoyl-1-methyl-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (26-8B);-   [5-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-pentyloxy]-acetic    acid tert-butyl ester (27-8A);-   [5-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-pentyloxy]-acetic    acid (27-9A);-   2-[5-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-pentyloxy]-propionic    acid (27-9B);-   5-(5-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-pentyloxy)-pentanoic    acid tert-butyl ester (28-7A);-   5-((5-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)-methyl    sulfonamido)-pentyl)-oxy)-pentanoic acid (28-8A);-   5-(5-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-pentyloxy)-2-methyl-pentanoic    acid (28-8B);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-nitro-benzoic    acid methyl ester (29-7);-   4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-nitro-benzoic    acid (29-8);-   2-Amino-4-[2-(2-{[5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid methyl ester (29-9);-   2-Amino-4-[2-(2-{[5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic    acid (29-10);-   5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-[methanesulfonyl-(2-{2-[2-(2-oxo-propoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-amino]-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (30-1);-   2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionic    acid ethyl ester (30-2);-   3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionic    acid ethyl ester (30-3);-   3-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxymethyl)-benzoic    acid (30-4);-   6-({2-[3-(3-Acetyl-phenyl)-propoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (30-5);-   6-[({[(3-Acetyl-benzylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-carbamoyl}-methyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylic    acid methylamide (30-6);-   4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoic    acid (30-7);-   4-(3-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-phenyl)-2,4-dioxo-butyric    acid (30-8);-   4-{3-[4-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-butoxy]-phenyl}-2,4-dioxo-butyric    acid (30-9);-   4-[3-(3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propyl)-phenyl]-2,4-dioxo-butyric    acid (30-10);-   5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-methoxy-benzoic    acid methyl ester (30-11);-   4-(3-{4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-butyl}-phenyl)-2,4-dioxo-butyric    acid (30-12);-   4-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoic    acid (30-13);-   5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-fluoro-benzoic    acid ethyl ester (30-14);-   4-[3-(5-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-pentyl)-phenyl]-2,4-dioxo-butyric    acid (30-15); and-   4-[3-(4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-butyl)-phenyl]-2,4-dioxo-butyric    acid (30-16);    and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another aspect, the invention provides compounds having the structuregiven as Formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,in which:

-   -   L is C₇₋₂₀alkylene (e.g., C₇₋₁₀alkylene); and    -   A is selected from C₁₋₃alkyl, —C(O)CH₃, —CO₂H, —CONHOH,        —CO₂—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C(O)NH₂, —NH₂, hydroxyl, chloropyridinyl,        —OC₁₋₂alkylene-CO₂H, —OC₁₋₂alkylene-CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl, —SC(O)CH₃,

-   -   -   in which D is —C(O)CH₃, —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂H,            —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂C₁₋₅alkyl, —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CONHOH,            —C(O)CH═C(OH)CO₂H, —C(O)CH═C(OH)CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl,            —CO₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CO₂CH₂SC₁₋₄alkyl, —CO₂Bn, or —CO₂CH₂            CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl, and E is null, halo, C₁₋₄alkyl, —OC₁₋₄alkyl,            —NH—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₀₋₃alkylene-NH₂, or NO₂.

In another aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising anyof the foregoing compounds and at least one pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating orpreventing hepatitis C virus infection or reactivation in a host,comprising administering to the host a therapeutic amount of a compoundor composition as disclosed herein.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for reducing ahepatitis C virus polymerase activity in a host, comprisingadministering to the host a therapeutic amount of a compound orcomposition as disclosed herein.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for reducinghepatitis C virus replication in a host, comprising administering to thehost a therapeutic amount of a compound or composition as disclosedherein.

In the foregoing methods, the invention provides embodiments in whichthe method further comprises administering to the host at least oneother active agent. Such active agents may be active agents that haveantiviral, e.g., anti-HCV, activity or function. For example, suchactive agents may be selected from the group consisting of interferons,ribavirin, nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, non-nucleoside HCVNS5B polymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitors, HCV NS5Ainhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3 inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicaseinhibitors, HCV NS4B inhibitors, and human cyclophilin inhibitors.

In another aspect, the invention provides a combination, comprising acompound as disclosed herein together with at least one other activeagent. Such active agents may be active agents that have antiviral,e.g., anti-HCV, activity or function. For example, such active agentsmay be selected from the group consisting of interferons, ribavirin,nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, non-nucleoside HCV NS5Bpolymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitors, HCV NS5Ainhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3 inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicaseinhibitors, HCV NS4B inhibitors, and human cyclophilin inhibitors.

In another aspect, the invention provides a combination, comprising acomposition comprising a compound as disclosed herein and apharmaceutically acceptable excipient, together with a compositioncomprising at least one other active agent and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient. Such active agents may be active agents that haveantiviral, e.g., anti-HCV, activity or function. For example, suchactive agents may be selected from the group consisting of interferons,ribavirin, nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, non-nucleoside HCVNS5B polymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitors, HCV NS5Ainhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3 inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicaseinhibitors, HCV NS4B inhibitors, and human cyclophilin inhibitors. Forexample, such combinations may comprise a composition comprising acompound of Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient,together with two or more other compositions comprising other suchactive agents and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

The invention further provides compounds that can be useful as prodrugs.For example, compounds that contain a carboxyl group may be modified toa variety of promoieties using conventional techniques. For example, acarboxyl moiety in a compound of Formula I may be replaced by ormodified to a corresponding amides, carbamates, carbonates, or esters,provided that biotransformation processes can yield the appropriatecarboxyl form of the parent compound. Ideally the prodrug form will,upon biotransformation, yield the parent compound in a high recoveryratio, and will be non-toxic or have no significant safety concerns.

Accordingly, in one aspect, there are provided compounds of Formula I inwhich D is a carboxyl group is esterified, e.g., the group —C(O)OH isreplaced by the group —C(O)O-R^(P), wherein R^(P) is —C₁₋₄alkyl,—C₁₋₄alkyl-OC(O)O-C₁₋₄alkyl, 5-methyl-2-oxo-[1,3]dioxol-4-ylmethyl, or—C₁₋₄alkyl-NR′R″, wherein R′ and R″ are independently hydrogen or—C₁₋₄alkyl.

In some embodiments, prodrug forms of a compound of Formula I can havereduced potency for inhibition of HCV polymerase activity.Alternatively, such prodrug forms can have an IC₅₀ against HCVpolymerase that is at least 50-fold, at least 100-fold, at least150-fold, at least 200-fold, or at least 500-fold higher than the IC₅₀of the corresponding unmodified carboxyl form of the compound.

In one aspect of the invention, in the compounds of Formula I, the Lgroup is comprises a carbon (alkylene) or carbon and oxygen (ether)backbone. In such cases the backbone can comprise 7 to 10 carbon orcarbon and oxygen atoms. In some embodiments, L is—(CH₂)_(x)(OCH₂CH₂)_(y)—O—(CH₂)_(z)—, in which x=2-6, y=0-5, and z=0-5;provided that when y is 0, then (x+z) is 4 to 11.

In some embodiments, x=2, y=0 to 2, and z=2 to 4.

In some embodiments, x=2, y=0, and z=4.

In some embodiments, x=2, y=1, and z=1 to 3.

In some embodiments x=2, y=1, and z=1.

In some embodiments x=2, y=1, and z=2.

In some embodiments x=2, y=1, and z=3.

In some embodiments, x=2, y=2, and z=0 to 1.

In some embodiments, x=2, y=2, and z=0.

In some embodiments, x=2, y=2, and z=1.

In some embodiments, x=3, y=0, and z=3.

In some embodiments, x=4, y=0, and z=2.

In some embodiments, x=5, y=0, and z=0 to 4.

In some embodiments, x=5, y=0, and z=1.

In some embodiments, x=5, y=0, and z=4.

In some embodiments, x=6, y=0, and z=0.

In some embodiments, L is C₇alkylene.

Throughout the description of this invention, any scope of any variable,including m, n, w, x, y, and z, can, unless otherwise specified, be usedindependently with the scope of any other instance of a variable.

General Preparation of Compounds

The compounds of the invention may be prepared by any suitable syntheticroute, using chemical techniques and apparatus known to the skilledorganic chemist. Details of the syntheses of exemplary compounds areprovided in the Examples below. General outlines of such syntheticprocesses are provided to aid the understanding of the invention.

It will be appreciated that the compounds of Formula I may contain oneor more asymmetric carbon atoms and may exist in racemic,diastereomeric, and optically active forms. All of these racemiccompounds, enantiomers, and diastereomers are contemplated to be withinthe scope of the present invention. Methods are known in the art forseparating isomers such as enantiomers and diastereomers, includingphysical and chemical methods. It will further be appreciated thatcertain compounds of the present invention may exist in differenttautomeric forms. All tautomers are contemplated to be within the scopeof the present invention.

Certain compounds of the present invention may occur as atropisomers,which are stereoisomers that exhibit hindered rotation about a singlebond, in which the steric interconversion barrier to such rotation ishigh enough to permit isolation of individual conformers. Atropisomersmay be equilibrated thermally, and the interconversion barrier may bemeasured kinetically.

The present invention also includes isotopically-labeled compounds ofFormula I. The isotopically-labeled compounds are identical to thecompounds of this invention, but for being manufactured to replace oneor more atoms with another isotope of the same element. For example, aselected atom may be changed from a naturally abundant isotope to a rareisotope. Exemplary isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds ofthe invention include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen,sulfur, chlorine, such as ²H, ³H, ¹¹C, ¹³C, ¹⁴C ¹³N, ¹⁵O, ¹⁷O, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F,³⁶Cl. Certain isotope-labeled compounds (e.g., ³H and ¹⁴C) are useful incompound or substrate tissue distribution studies. Certain heavierisotopes (e.g., ²H) may afford therapeutic advantages resulting frompossible greater metabolic stability.

Also included within the present invention are salts, (e.g.,pharmaceutically acceptable salts) of the compounds of Formula I. Anysalt that is consistent with the overall stability and utility of thecompounds of Formula I may be provided using conventional methods.Suitable salts include, without limitation, salts of acidic or basicgroups that can be present in the compounds provided herein. Undercertain acidic conditions, the compound can form a wide variety of saltswith various inorganic and organic acids. Acids that can be used toprepare pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such basic compounds arethose that form salts comprising pharmacologically acceptable anionsincluding, but not limited to, acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate,bicarbonate, bitartrate, bromide, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate,chloride, bromide, iodide, citrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate,estolate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate,glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine, hydroxynaphthoate,isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate(methylenesulfonate), methylsulfate, muscate, napsylate, nitrate,panthothenate, phosphate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate,stearate, succinate, sulfate, tannate, tartrate, teoclate, triethiodide,and pamoate. Under certain basic conditions, the compound can form basesalts with various pharmacologically acceptable cations. Non-limitingexamples of such salts include alkali metal or alkaline earth metalsalts and, particularly, calcium, magnesium, sodium, lithium, zinc,potassium and iron salts, as well as tetraalkylammonium salts. Generalinformation regarding pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be found inStahl P H, and Wermuth C G, eds., Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts:Properties, Selection and Use, 2002, Wiley-VCH/VHCA Weinheim/Zürich.

The present invention also relates provides hydrates and other solvatesof the compounds of Formula I. Thus, hydrates and other solvates of thecompounds of Formula I and hydrates and other solvates of the salts ofthe compounds of Formula I are included within the scope of the presentinvention.

Esters, including pharmaceutically acceptable esters, of the compoundsof Formula I are included within the scope of the present invention.Esters include stable carboxylic acid esters —COOR, for example, inwhich R is selected from optionally substituted straight or branchedchain alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aralkyl, aryloxyalkyl, aryl; or for example,—CH₂OC(O)R′ or —CH₂OCO₂R′ in which R′ is alkyl (e.g., R′ is tert-butyl).Unless otherwise specified, any alkyl moiety present in such esterssuitably contains 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

If there should be, in this specification, a discrepancy between adepicted structure and a name given to that structure, the depictedstructure is to be accorded more weight. In addition, if thestereochemistry of a structure or a portion of a structure is notindicated with conventionally accepted notation, for example, bold ordashed lines, the structure or portion thereof is to be interpreted asencompassing all stereoisomers of such structure.

A compound of Formula I and its salts (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptablesalts) may exist in crystalline forms, which may appear as differentpolymorphs or pseudopolymorphs. As used herein, crystalline“polymorphism” means the ability of a crystalline compound to exist indifferent crystal structures. Polymorphism generally can occur as aresponse to changes in temperature, pressure, or both. Polymorphism canalso result from variations in the crystallization process. Polymorphscan be distinguished by various physical characteristics known in theart such as x-ray diffraction patterns, solubilities, and meltingpoints. Polymorphism may result from differences in crystal packing(packing polymorphism) or differences in packing between differentconformers of the same molecule (conformational polymorphism). As usedherein, crystalline “pseudopolymorphism” means the ability of a hydrateor solvate of a compound to exist in different crystal structures. Thepseudopolymorphs of the instant invention may exist due to differencesin crystal packing (packing pseudopolymorphism) or due to differences inpacking between different conformers of the same molecule(conformational pseudopolymorphism). The present invention comprises allpolymorphs and pseudopolymorphs of the compounds of Formula I and theirpharmaceutically acceptable salts.

A compound of Formula I and its salts or solvates may also exist asamorphous solids. As used herein, an amorphous solid is a solid in whichthere is no long-range order of the positions of the atoms in the solid.This definition applies as well when the crystal size is two nanometersor less. Additives, including solvents, may be used to create theamorphous forms of the instant invention. The instant inventioncomprises all amorphous forms of the compounds of Formula I and theirsalts, (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable salts) and solvates.

In one aspect the invention provides a composition comprising a compoundaccording to Formula I or a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt) or solvate thereof. Such compositions may further comprise atleast one further component, such as a pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient.

Methods of Use

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating ahepatitis C virus infection in a host, comprising administering to thehost a therapeutic amount of at least one compound according to FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. There is likewiseprovided a compound according to Formula I or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of such compound, for use in the treatment of a HCVinfection in a host. In some embodiments, the method further comprisesadministering to the host at least one other therapeutically activeagent selected from the group consisting of interferons, ribavirin,taribavirin, nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors, non-nucleoside HCVpolymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitors, HCV NS5Ainhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3 inhibitors, and HCV NS4Binhibitors. In some embodiments, the compound may be used for preventingHCV infection in a host. In some embodiments, the compound may be usedto limit infection in a host. In some embodiments, the host is a humansubject.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating ahepatitis C virus reactivation in a host, comprising administering tothe host a therapeutic amount of at least one compound according toFormula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. There islikewise provided a compound according to Formula I or apharmaceutically acceptable salt of such compound, for use in thetreatment of a HCV infection in a host. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises administering to the host at least one othertherapeutically active agent selected from the group consisting ofinterferons, ribavirin, taribavirin, nucleoside HCV polymeraseinhibitors, non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4Aprotease inhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3inhibitors, and HCV NS4B inhibitors. In some embodiments, the compoundmay be used for preventing HCV infection in a host. In some embodiments,the compound may be used to limit infection in a host. In someembodiments, the host is a human subject.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting orreducing the activity of hepatitis C virus polymerase in a host,comprising administering to the host a therapeutic amount of at leastone compound according to Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof. There is likewise provided a compound according to FormulaI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of such compound, for use ininhibiting or reducing the activity of HCV polymerase in a host. In someembodiments, the method further comprises administering to the host atleast one other therapeutically active agent selected from the groupconsisting of interferons, ribavirin, taribavirin, nucleoside HCVpolymerase inhibitors, non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors, HCVNS3-4A protease inhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors,HCV NS3 inhibitors, and HCV NS4B inhibitors. In some embodiments, thehost is a human subject.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting orreducing hepatitis C virus polymerase replication in a host, comprisingadministering to the host a therapeutic amount of at least one compoundaccording to Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.There is likewise provided a compound according to Formula I, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt of such compound, for use in inhibitingor reducing HCV polymerase replication in a host. In some embodiments,the method further comprises administering to the host at least oneother therapeutically active agent selected from the group consisting ofinterferons, ribavirin, taribavirin, nucleoside HCV polymeraseinhibitors, non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4Aprotease inhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3inhibitors, and HCV NS4B inhibitors. In some embodiments, the host is ahuman subject.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treatingHCV-associated liver cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, hepatocellularcarcinoma, cryoglobulinaemia, and/or liver fibrosis in a host, whichcomprises administering to the host a therapeutic amount of at least onecompound according to Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof. There is likewise provided a compound according to Formula I,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of such compound, for use inHCV-associated liver cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, hepatocellularcarcinoma, cryoglobulinaemia, and/or liver fibrosis in a host. In someembodiments, the method further comprises administering to the host atleast one other therapeutically active agent selected from the groupconsisting of interferons, ribavirin, taribavirin, nucleoside HCVpolymerase inhibitors, non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors, HCVNS3-4A protease inhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors,HCV NS3 inhibitors, and HCV NS4B inhibitors.

In another aspect, the invention provides a use of a compound accordingto Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in themanufacture of a medicament for treating a hepatitis C virus infectionin a host. In some embodiments, the host is a human subject.

In another aspect, the invention provides a use of a compound accordingto Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in themanufacture of a medicament for inhibiting or reducing the activity ofhepatitis C virus polymerase in a host. In some embodiments, the host isa human subject.

In another aspect, the invention provides a use of a compound accordingto Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in themanufacture of a medicament for inhibiting or reducing hepatitis C viruspolymerase replication in a host. In some embodiments, the host is ahuman subject.

The invention provides, in a further aspect, a combination comprising atleast one compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof together with at least one other active agent, especiallyinterferon, ribavirin, and/or an additional anti-HCV agent.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided acompound chosen from compounds of Formula I or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof for use in human or veterinary medical therapy,particularly in the treatment or prevention of viral infection,particularly flavivirus infection, for example, HCV infection.

In another aspect, the invention provides for the use of a compound ofFormula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in themanufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis ofviral infection, particularly HCV infection.

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of Formula I or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in treating HCV diseasein a human.

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound prepared to beadministered in combination with at least one active agent selected fromthe group consisting of interferons, ribavirin, nucleoside HCV NS5Bpolymerase inhibitors, non-nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors,HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entryinhibitors, HCV NS3 inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicase inhibitors, HCV NS4Binhibitors, and human cyclophilin inhibitors.

In another aspect, the invention provides a combination comprising: a) atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and b) a therapeuticallyeffective amount of at least one active agent selective from the groupconsisting of interferons, ribavirin, nucleoside HCV NS5B polymeraseinhibitors, non-nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4Aprotease inhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicase inhibitors, HCV NS4B inhibitors, and humancyclophilin inhibitors.

In another aspect, the invention provides a use of a compound of FormulaI or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with atleast one active agent selected from the group consisting ofinterferons, ribavirin, nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors,non-nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4A proteaseinhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicase inhibitors, HCV NS4B inhibitors, and humancyclophilin inhibitors, for manufacture of a medicament for treatment ofHCV disease in a human.

In another aspect, the invention provides a use of a compound of FormulaI or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of adosage form for treatment of HCV disease in a human, wherein the dosageform comprises 1 to 1,000 mg of a compound of Formula I or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an effective amount of atleast one active agent selected from the group consisting ofinterferons, ribavirin, nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors,non-nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4A proteaseinhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicase inhibitors, HCV NS4B inhibitors, and humancyclophilin inhibitors, wherein the dosage form is suitable foradministration to a human.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides methods for inhibiting HCVpolymerase activity in a biological sample, comprising contacting thebiological sample with an effective inhibitory amount of a compound ofFormula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In someembodiments, the biological sample is a blood, tissue, or other fluidsample. In some embodiments, the biological sample is a culture of hostcells, e.g., hepatocytes, or hepatocellular carcinoma cells, infectedwith HCV. For a survey of biological assay systems in which thecompounds of the invention may be demonstrated, see, Huang et al.,“Hepatitis C Virus-related Assays,” Chapter 2 in Hepatitis C: AntiviralDrug Discovery and Development, S-L Tan and Y He, eds., Caister AcademicPress (2011).

Such methods may be useful in research or in the clinic, for example, inthe identification of HCV genotypes amenable to inhibition with thecompounds of the invention or the identification of subjects who maybeneficially be treated using compounds or compositions of theinvention. In some embodiments, the HCV genotype is 1, or the HCVgenotype is 1a, or the HCV genotype is 1b.

In various embodiments of the methods, set forth above, of using thecompounds of Formula I for treatment or prevention of HCV infection orthe sequelae of such infection, the HCV may be genotypicallyunidentified. In other embodiments, the HCV is HCV genotype 1,optionally HCV genotype 1a or 1b. In other embodiments, the HCV may beselected from among other HCV genotypes, including HCV genotypes 2and/or 3.

Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that thecompounds of Formula I that exhibit inhibition of HCV replication orinfectivity derive their activity through interaction with or binding toan allosteric site controlling the conformation of the HCV NS5B protein,and thereby inhibiting viral RNA synthesis in the host cell. It isbelieved that the compounds of Formula I that exhibit inhibition of HCVreplication or infectivity interact with or bind to the NNI IV. Asdemonstrated in the Examples below, compounds of Formula I exhibitpotent inhibition of the NS5B RdRp activity in a biochemical assay invitro as well as inhibition of HCV replication as measured in an HCVreplicon cell assay.

Definitions

It is understood that the compounds of the invention, as describedherein, may be substituted with a variety of substituents or functionalmoieties. In general, the term “substituted,” whether or not preceded bythe term “optionally,” and substituents contained in formulas of thisinvention, refer to the replacement of hydrogen radicals in a givenstructure with the radical of a specified substituent. When more thanone position in any given structure may be substituted with more thanone substituent selected from a specified group, the substituents are,unless otherwise indicated, to be understood as independent, i.e., theymay be either the same or different at every position. As used herein,the term “substituted” is contemplated to include all permissiblesubstituents of organic compounds. In a broad aspect, the permissiblesubstituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched,carbocyclic and heterocyclic, aromatic and non-aromatic, carbon andheteroatom substituents of organic compounds. For purposes of thisinvention, heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogen substituentsand/or any permissible substituents of organic compounds describedherein which satisfy the valencies of the heteroatoms. Furthermore, thisinvention is not intended to be limited in any manner by the permissiblesubstituents of organic compounds. Combinations of substituents andvariables envisioned by this invention are preferably those that resultin the formation of stable compounds useful as described herein, forexample, in the treatment and prevention of disorders associated withHCV infection.

The term “aliphatic,” as used herein, includes both saturated andunsaturated, straight chain (i.e., unbranched) or branched aliphatichydrocarbons, which are optionally substituted with one or morefunctional groups. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill inthe art, “aliphatic” is intended herein to include, but is not limitedto, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl moieties. Thus, as used herein, the term“alkyl” includes straight and branched alkyl groups. An analogousconvention applies to other generic terms such as “alkenyl,” “alkynyl”and the like. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “alkyl,” “alkenyl,”“alkynyl,” and the like encompass both substituted and unsubstitutedgroups.

In certain embodiments, the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups employedin the invention contain about 1-20 aliphatic carbon atoms (C₁₂₀). Incertain other embodiments, the alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groupsemployed in the invention contain about 1-10 aliphatic carbon atoms(C₁₁₀). In yet other embodiments, the alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groupsemployed in the invention contain about 1-8 aliphatic carbon atoms(C₁₈). In still other embodiments, the alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynylgroups employed in the invention contain about 1-6 aliphatic carbonatoms (C₁₆). In yet other embodiments, the alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynylgroups employed in the invention contain about 1-4 carbon atoms (C₁₋₄).Aliphatic groups include, for example, for example, methyl, ethyl,n-propyl, isopropyl (iPr), allyl, n-butyl (nBu), sec-butyl, isobutyl,tert-butyl, n-pentyl, sec-pentyl, isopentyl, tert-pentyl, n-hexyl,sec-hexyl, and the like, which may bear one or more substituents.Alkenyl groups include, for example, ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl,1-methyl-2-buten-1-yl, and the like. Alkynyl groups include, forexample, ethynyl, 2-propynyl (propargyl), 1-propynyl, and the like.

The term “alkyl,” as used herein, refers to a saturated straight chainor branched hydrocarbon. Alkyl groups may occur as monovalent ordivalent radicals in compounds disclosed herein. In some embodiments,alkyl groups have 1 to 10 (C₁₋₁₀), 1 to 6 (C₁₋₆), 1 to 4 (C₁₋₄), or 1 to3 (C₁₋₃) carbon atoms. Representative saturated straight chain alkylsubstituents include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, andn-hexyl; while saturated branched alkyl substituents include isopropyl,sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, 2-methylbutyl,3-methylbutyl, and the like.

The term “Bn,” as used herein, refers to a benzyl group.

The terms “amine” and “amino,” as used herein, refer to a group havingthe formula —NR′R″ wherein R′ and R″ are both hydrogen. The term“alkylamine,” as used herein, refers to a group having the formula—NR′R″ wherein R′ is hydrogen or alkyl, and R″ is alkyl. Thus, the termalkylamine includes monoalkylamine and dialkylamine. The term“aminoalkyl,” as used herein, refers to a group having the formula-alkyl-NR′R″ wherein R′ and R″ are independently hydrogen or alkyl.

The term “ether,” as used herein, refers to a group having the formulaR′-O-R″, wherein R′ and R″ are independently alkyl or other substituentlinked to the oxygen via a carbon atom, for example, —CH₂—O—CH₂ or—CH₂—O-aryl-(CH₂)₃. The term “thioether,” as used herein, refers to asimilar group having the formula R′-S-R″. The term “(thio)ether,” asused herein, refers to a group that comprises an ether or thioetherfunctionality, or that has hybrid ether and thioether functionality, forexample —CH₂—O—CH₂—S—CH₂—.

The term “excipient,” as used herein, refers to is a natural orsynthetic substance formulated alongside the active ingredient of acomposition. Excipients may be included in a composition for variousfunctions or to impart various properties to the composition. Forexample, excipients may be included for the purpose of bulking-upformulations that contain potent active ingredients (thus often referredto as “bulking agents,” “fillers,” or “diluents”). Alternativelyexcipients may be included in a formulation to confer a therapeuticenhancement on the active ingredient in the final dosage form, such asfacilitating drug absorption or solubility. The selection of appropriateexcipients also depends upon the route of administration and the dosageform, as well as the active ingredient and other factors. For example,for oral administration consideration may be given to colorants,flavorants, glidants, lubricants, and the like. Excipients can also beuseful in the manufacturing process, to aid in the handling of theactive substance concerned such as by facilitating powder flowability ornon-stick properties. Excipients may be employed to aid in stability ofthe formulation such as prevention of denaturation over the expectedshelf life, or to prevent or deter microbial (e.g., bacterial, fungal)growth (preservatives).

The term “IC₅₀,” as used herein, refers to an amount, concentration, ordosage of a particular test compound that achieves a 50% inhibition of amaximal response in an in vitro assay-such as a biochemical or enzymaticassay—that measures such response.

The term “halo” or “halogen,” as used herein, refers to F, Cl, Br, or I.

The term “HCV polymerase,” as used herein, refers to the NS5B polymeraseof HCV.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable,” as used herein in relation to aningredient (such as an active ingredient, a salt or solvate thereof, oran excipient) that may be included in a pharmaceutical formulation foradministration to a patient, refers to that ingredient being acceptablein the sense of being compatible with any other ingredients present inthe pharmaceutical formulation and not being deleterious to the patient.Indeed, pharmaceutical regulations and standards require that allexcipient in medicaments administered to humans and other animals, aswell as the chemical decomposition or metabolism products of suchexcipients, be identified and shown to be safe. The acronym GRAS isoften applied to such materials, meaning that they are “GenerallyRecognized As Safe.”

The term “preventing,” as used herein, means that the compounds of thepresent invention are useful when administered to a patient who has notbeen diagnosed as possibly having the disease at the time ofadministration, but who would normally be expected to develop thedisease or be at increased risk for the disease. Generally, the term“preventing” refers to administration of a compound of the inventionprior to the onset of symptoms, particularly to patients at risk ofcontracting HCV infection. The compounds of the invention will slow thedevelopment of disease symptoms, delay the onset of disease, or preventthe individual from developing the disease at all.

The term “prodrug,” as used herein, refers to a chemical compound thathas little or no pharmacological activity per se or that has propertiesthat are preferred for administration, but that is capable of undergoingbiotransformation to a therapeutically active metabolite of interest.For example, a prodrug form of a compound of Formula I may itself havelittle or no inhibitory activity against HCV polymerase, but wouldundergo biotransformation in the body of the patient to the active formof the compound. As another example, a prodrug form of a compound ofFormula I may have one or more physicochemical properties, e.g.,solubility, that imparts to the compound a different pharmacokinetic orpharmacodynamic profile. Biotransformation can include hydrolysis,oxidation, photolysis, or by means of physiological or metabolicprocesses, e.g., by enzymatic modification. A prodrug may be thought ofas including the therapeutic compound covalently linked to a promoiety,and the biotransformation process removes or modifies the promoiety toyield the therapeutic compound. Common functional groups on compoundsthat may be replaced with or modified to contain a promoiety include,for example, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, hydroxyl, phosphonyl, andthiolyl groups. See, e.g., Rautio et al., Nat Rev Drug Discov, 2008,7:255-270. If a parent drug contains one of these moieties, the compoundmay be modified using bioreversible chemistry to contain a promoiety.Alternatively, the prodrug may be prepared with the promoietyincorporated at an earlier synthetic stage, as may be desired.

The term “solvate,” as used herein, refers to a complex of variablestoichiometry formed by a solute (in this invention, a compound ofFormula I or a salt thereof) and a solvent. Such solvents for thepurpose of the invention may not interfere with the biological activityof the solute. Examples of suitable solvents include, but are notlimited to, water, methanol, ethanol and acetic acid. Preferably thesolvent used is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. However, solvateshaving non-pharmaceutically acceptable solvents are within the scope ofthe present invention, for example, for use as intermediates in thepreparation of other compounds of Formula I and their pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts. Most preferably the solvent used is water and theresulting solvate may also be referred to as a hydrate. As used hereinand unless otherwise indicated, the term “hydrate” means a compoundprovided herein or a salt thereof that further includes a stoichiometricor nonstoichiometric amount of water bound by non-covalentintermolecular forces.

The term “stable,” as used herein, refers to compounds that possessstability sufficient to allow their manufacture, and that maintain theintegrity of the compound for a sufficient period of time to be detectedand preferably for a sufficient period of time to be useful for thepurposes detailed herein. For example, a compound of the inventionshould be sufficiently stable to permit its purification, or isolation,or identification; or should be sufficiently stable to permitformulation into a pharmaceutically acceptable dosage form.

The term “subject,” as used herein, is an animal, typically a mammal,most typically a human, such as a patient. The term “host,” as usedherein, is a cell, such as a hepatocyte, or a human patient or othersubject suspected of being, or determined to have been, infected withHCV, as determined through conventional genetic or serologic techniques.

The term “substituted,” as used herein, refers to a moiety in which atleast one hydrogen atom is replaced by a non-hydrogen substituent. Forexample if a phenyl group is said to be optionally substituted, at leastone of the hydrogens in the phenyl ring is replaced with a substituentthat is not hydrogen. Typically, such substituents are small moieties,such as halo, hydroxyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, or cyano. Suchsubstitutions generally either contribute to a desirable property forthe molecule or at least do not substantially detract from the desirableproperties of the molecule, and in any case should be sufficientlystable for use according to the purposes set forth herein.

The term “therapeutic amount,” as used herein, refers to an amount of acompound that would be reasonably expected by the skilled medicalpractitioner to have a particular therapeutic effect in the patient,taking into consideration such factors as the sex, age, geneticbackground, body mass, body surface area, mode of administration, andthe like, notwithstanding idiosyncrasies of the patient's physiology.The therapeutic effect may be realized in the treatment, prevention,and/or management of a HCV infection or a condition or symptomassociated with such infection, or the delay or minimization of one ormore symptoms associated therewith. The term “therapeutic amount” cantherefore, encompass an amount that improves overall therapy, reduces oravoids symptoms or causes of HCV infection, or enhances the therapeuticefficacy of another therapeutic agent. It is possible that a therapeuticamount of a compound may achieve different results when administered todifferent patients. In some cases, an amount of a compound that producestherapeutic benefit to one patient may yield little or no benefit foranother patient, but is still considered a therapeutic amount. In someembodiments, a therapeutic amount of an active compound is an amountdetermined by the US Food and Drug Administration (or a correlativeorganization in another country or region) to be safe and effective inthe treatment of HCV infection or another specified disease or disorderin a human patient.

It will be appreciated that reference herein to “therapy” and/or“treatment” includes, but is not limited to prevention, retardation,prophylaxis, amelioration, and/or cure of the HCV infection orconsequent or associated medical symptoms, conditions, or other sequelae(collectively, “HCV disease”). It will thus be appreciated thatreferences herein to treatment or prevention of HCV infection includetreatment or prevention of chronic HCV infection, acute HCV infection,or any of the HCV-associated diseases and disorders such as liverfibrosis, hepatic steatosis, cirrhosis, cryoglobulinemia, andhepatocellular carcinoma. Accordingly, the terms “treat,” “treating,”and “treatment,” as used herein refer to alleviating or reducing theseverity of a symptom associated with HCV infection or a conditionconsequent to such infection. In certain embodiments, compounds of theinvention will delay or slow the progression of HCV infection, or acondition consequent to such infection, thereby making it possible forthe subject to enjoy a longer life span or a better quality of life.

The term “subtherapeutic amount,” as used herein, refers to an amount ofa compound that, if administered alone, would be expected to exhibit notherapeutic effect or no significant therapeutic effect in the patient,taking into consideration the foregoing factors. Subtherapeutic amountsof a compound of Formula I may be useful in combination therapy, inwhich, for example, two or more active compounds are administered toachieve a therapeutic effect.

Therapeutic or treatment effect may be measured in any manner known inthe art.

Therapeutic effect may be observed in asymptomatic HCV patients by wayof delaying, reducing, or preventing onset or development of one or moresuch symptoms characteristic of HCV disease. For example, therapeuticeffect may be observed through delay, reduction, or prevention of aliver pathology. As another example, therapeutic effect may be observedthrough reduction of viral load (such as by qPCR assessment of thenumber of copies of HCV RNA in a patient's blood). See, e.g., HighleymanL. and Franciscus A., “HCV Diagnostic Tools: HCV Viral Load Tests,” HCSPFact Sheet, v.3 May 2011[http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/viralload.pdf].

The term “effective amount,” as used herein, refers to an amount of acompound that, when provided to a host cell or an in vitro or ex vivosystem would be expected to exhibit an overt or measurable effect in thesystem. For example, in an acellular or cellular assay system suitablefor measuring an activity of HCV polymerase, the compounds of Formula Imay inhibit or reduce such activity of HCV polymerase when provided inan effective amount. As another example, in a cellular assay systemsuitable for measuring replication or infectivity of HCV, the compoundsof Formula I may inhibit or reduce such activity of HCV when provided inan effective amount.

Pharmaceutical Compositions and Dosage Forms

The invention provides compositions, and in particular, pharmaceuticalcompositions, comprising any of the compounds of Formula I (e.g., asingle enantiomer, a mixture of enantiomers, or a mixture ofdiastereomers thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvatethereof) in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient. See, for example, R C Rowe, Handbook of PharmaceuticalExcipients, 6^(th) ed., 2009, Pharmaceutical Press.

While numerous embodiments of compositions according to the inventionare set forth in detail below, it will be understood by the skilledperson that compounds of Formula I are not limited to use incompositions specifically adapted for administration as medicaments, butthat many other compositions comprising any of the compounds of FormulaI may be made using conventional materials and methods. Accordingly, theinvention provides compositions comprising any of the compounds ofFormula I (e.g., a single enantiomer, a mixture of enantiomers, or amixture of diastereomers thereof, or a salt or solvate thereof) incombination with at least one vehicle, carrier, diluent, excipient, or amixture of one or more of the foregoing ingredients. For example, it isto be expected that any of the compounds of Formula I may appear insolution with a solvent that is considered not acceptable foradministration to humans or other subjects. In addition, any of thecompounds of Formula I may be prepared as a salt of a compound that isconsidered not acceptable for administration to humans or othersubjects. The skilled person will understand how to prepare andinterconvert such salt forms of the compounds, and such compositionscomprising such compounds, by way of conventional techniques.

The amounts of various compounds of Formula I to be administered can bedetermined by standard procedures taking into account factors such asthe compound (IC₅₀) potency, (EC₅₀) efficacy, and the biologicalhalf-life (of the compound), the age, size and weight of the patient,and the disease or disorder associated with the patient. The importanceof these and other factors to be considered are known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

Amounts administered also depend on the routes of administration and thedegree of oral bioavailability. For example, for compounds of Formula Iwith low oral bioavailability, relatively higher doses will have to beadministered. Oral administration is a convenient method ofadministration of the compounds of Formula I.

Suitably the pharmaceutical composition is in unit dosage form. For oraladministration, for example, a tablet or capsule may be administered;for nasal application, a metered aerosol dose may be administered; fortransdermal application, a topical formulation or patch may beadministered; and for transmucosal delivery, a buccal patch may beadministered.

Each dosage unit for oral administration may contain from 0.01 to 500mg/Kg, for example from 0.1 to 50 mg/Kg, of a compound of Formula I or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, calculated as the free base.The daily dosage for parenteral, nasal, oral inhalation, transmucosal,or transdermal routes may contains from 0.01 mg to 100 mg/Kg, of acompound of Formula I. A topical formulation may contain 0.01 to 5.0% ofa compound of Formula I. The active ingredient may be administered from1 to 4 times per day, for example once, twice or three times per day,sufficient to achieve the desired pharmaceutical activity.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated in various dosageforms, including, but not limited to, the dosage forms for oral,parenteral, or topical administration. The pharmaceutical compositionsmay also be formulated as modified release dosage forms, including, butnot limited to, delayed, extended, prolonged, sustained, pulsatile,controlled, accelerated, fast, targeted, and programmed release, andgastric retention dosage forms. These dosage forms can be preparedaccording to conventional methods and techniques known to those skilledin the art. See, e.g., Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,21st ed., 2005, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Ansel's PharmaceuticalDosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, 9^(th) ed., 2010, LippincottWilliams & Wilkins.

In one aspect of the invention, the pharmaceutical compositions areprovided in a dosage form for oral administration, which comprise acompound provided herein, including a single enantiomer, a mixture ofenantiomers, or a mixture of diastereomers thereof, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate; and at least onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

In another aspect of the invention, the pharmaceutical compositions areprovided in a dosage form for parenteral administration, which comprisea compound provided herein, including a single enantiomer, a mixture ofenantiomers, or a mixture of diastereomers thereof, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof; and a at least onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the pharmaceutical compositionsare provided in a dosage form for topical administration, which comprisea compound provided herein, including a single enantiomer, a mixture ofenantiomers, or a mixture of diastereomers thereof, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate; and at least onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be provided in aunit- or multiple-dosage form. A unit-dosage form, as used herein,refers to a physically discrete unit suitable for administration to asubject, and packaged individually as is known in the art. Eachunit-dose contains a predetermined quantity of the active ingredient(s)sufficient to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in associationwith the required at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.Examples of a unit-dosage form include an ampoule, syringe, andindividually packaged tablet and capsule. A unit-dosage form may beadministered in fractions or multiples thereof. A multiple-dosage formis a plurality of identical unit-dosage forms packaged in a singlecontainer to be administered in a segregated unit-dosage form. Examplesof multiple-dosage forms include, without limitation, vials, bottles,blister-packs, and cardboard packages of tablets or capsules.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be administered atonce, or multiple times at intervals of time. It is understood that thedosage and duration of treatment suitable for a particular patient mayvary with the age, weight, and condition of the patient being treated,and may be determined empirically using known testing protocols or byextrapolation from in vivo or in vitro test or diagnostic data. It isfurther understood that for any particular individual, specific dosageregimens should be adjusted over time according to the individual needand the professional judgment of the person administering or supervisingthe administration of the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein.

Oral Administration

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be provided insolid, semisolid, or liquid dosage forms for oral administration. Asused herein, oral administration also includes buccal, lingual, andsublingual administration. Suitable oral dosage forms include, but arenot limited to, tablets, capsules, pills, troches, lozenges, pastilles,cachets, pellets, medicated chewing gum, granules, bulk powders,effervescent or non-effervescent powders or granules, solutions,emulsions, suspensions, wafers, sprinkles, elixirs, and syrups.

In addition to the active ingredient(s), the pharmaceutical compositionsfor oral administration may contain one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient, including, but not limited to, binders, fillers,diluents, disintegrants, wetting agents, lubricants, glidants, coloringagents, dye-migration inhibitors, sweetening agents, and flavoringagents. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are known anddescribed in the art. See, e.g., R C Rowe, Handbook of PharmaceuticalExcipients, 6^(th) ed., 2009, Pharmaceutical Press.

Binders or granulators impart cohesiveness to a tablet to ensure thetablet remaining intact after compression. Suitable binders or fillersinclude, but are not limited to, starches, such as corn starch, potatostarch, and pre-gelatinized starch (e.g., STARCH 1500); gelatin; sugars,such as sucrose, glucose, dextrose, molasses, and lactose; natural andsynthetic gums, such as acacia, alginic acid, alginates, extract ofIrish moss, panwar gum, ghatti gum, mucilage of isabgol (psyllium)husks, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Veegum, larch arabogalactan, powderedtragacanth, and guar gum; celluloses, such as ethyl cellulose (EC),cellulose acetate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), methyl cellulose,hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC),hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC); microcrystalline celluloses, suchas AVICEL-PH-101, AVICEL-PH-103, AVICEL RC-581, AVICEL-PH-105 (FMCCorp., Marcus Hook, Pa.); and mixtures thereof. Suitable fillersinclude, but are not limited to, talc, calcium carbonate,microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose, dextrates, kaolin,mannitol, silicic acid, sorbitol, starch, pre-gelatinized starch, andmixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the binder or filler ispresent from about 50 to about 99% by weight in the pharmaceuticalcompositions provided herein.

Suitable diluents include, but are not limited to, dicalcium phosphate,calcium sulfate, lactose, sorbitol, sucrose, inositol, cellulose,kaolin, mannitol, sodium chloride, dry starch, and powdered sugar.Certain diluents, such as mannitol, lactose, sorbitol, sucrose, andinositol, when present in sufficient quantity, can impart properties tosome compressed tablets that permit disintegration in the mouth bychewing. Such compressed tablets can be used as chewable tablets.

Suitable disintegrants include, but are not limited to, agar; bentonite;celluloses, such as methyl cellulose and CMC; wood products; naturalsponge; cation exchange resins; alginic acid; gums, such as guar gum andVeegum HV; citrus pulp; cross-linked celluloses, such as croscarmellose;cross-linked polymers, such as crospovidone; cross-linked starches;calcium carbonate; microcrystalline cellulose, such as sodium starchglycolate; polacrilin potassium; starches, such as corn starch, potatostarch, tapioca starch, and pregelatinized starch; clays; aligns; andmixtures thereof. The amount of a disintegrant in the pharmaceuticalcompositions provided herein varies upon the type of formulation, and isreadily discernible to those of ordinary skill in the art. In certainembodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein containfrom about 0.5 to about 15% or from about 1 to about 5% by weight of adisintegrant.

Suitable lubricants include, but are not limited to, calcium stearate;magnesium stearate; sodium stearyl fumarate; mineral oil; light mineraloil; glycerin; sorbitol; mannitol; glycols, such as glycerol behenateand polyethylene glycol (PEG); stearic acid; stearyl fumaric acid;sodium lauryl sulfate; talc; hydrogenated vegetable oil, includingpeanut oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, cornoil, and soybean oil; zinc stearate; ethyl oleate; ethyl laureate; agar;starch; lycopodium; silica or silica gels, such as AEROSIL® 200 (W.R.Grace Co., Baltimore, Md.) and CAB-O-SIL® (Cabot Co., Boston, Mass.);and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcompositions provided herein contain about 0.1 to about 5% by weight ofa lubricant.

Suitable glidants include, but are not limited to, colloidal silicondioxide, CAB-O-SIL®, and asbestos-free talc.

Suitable coloring agents include, but are not limited to, any of theapproved, certified, water soluble FD&C dyes, water insoluble FD&C dyessuspended on alumina hydrate, and color lakes, and mixtures thereof. Acolor lake is the combination by adsorption of a water-soluble dye to ahydrous oxide of a heavy metal, resulting in an insoluble form of thedye.

Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, naturalflavors extracted from plants, such as fruits, and synthetic blends ofcompounds which produce a pleasant taste sensation, such as peppermintand methyl salicylate.

Suitable sweetening agents include, but are not limited to, sucrose,lactose, mannitol, syrups, glycerin, and artificial sweeteners, such assaccharin and aspartame.

Suitable emulsifying agents include, but are not limited to, gelatin,acacia, tragacanth, bentonite, and surfactants, such as polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate (TWEEN® 20), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate 80(TWEEN® 80), and triethanolamine oleate.

Suitable suspending and dispersing agents include, but are not limitedto, sodium CMC, pectin, tragacanth, Veegum, acacia, HPMC, and PVP.

Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, glycerin, estersof p-hydroxybenzoic acid (e.g., methyl- and propyl-paraben), benzoicadd, sodium benzoate and alcohol.

Suitable wetting agents include, but are not limited to, propyleneglycol monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, diethylene glycol monolaurate,and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether.

Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, glycerin, sorbitol,ethyl alcohol, and syrup.

Suitable non-aqueous liquids utilized in emulsions include, but are notlimited to, mineral oil and cottonseed oil.

Suitable organic acids include, but are not limited to, citric andtartaric acid.

Suitable sources of carbon dioxide include, but are not limited to,sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate.

It should be understood that a particular excipient may serve more thanone function, even within the same formulation.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be provided ascompressed tablets, tablet triturates, chewable lozenges, rapidlydissolving tablets, multiple compressed tablets, enteric coated tablets,sugar-coated tablets, or film-coated tablets. Enteric coated tablets arecompressed tablets coated with substances that resist the action ofstomach acid but dissolve or disintegrate in the intestine, thusprotecting the active ingredients from the acidic environment of thestomach. Enteric-coatings include, but are not limited to, fatty acids,fats, phenyl salicylate, waxes, shellac, ammoniated shellac, andcellulose acetate phthalates. Sugar-coated tablets are compressedtablets surrounded by a sugar coating, which may be beneficial incovering up objectionable taste or odor and in protecting the tabletsfrom oxidation. Film-coated tablets are compressed tablets that arecovered with a thin layer or film of a water-soluble material. Filmcoatings include, but are not limited to, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodiumCMC, polyethylene glycol 4000, and cellulose acetate phthalate. Filmcoating imparts the same general characteristics as sugar coating.Multiple compressed tablets are compressed tablets made by more than onecompression cycle, including layered, press-coated, and dry-coatedtablets.

The tablet dosage forms may be prepared from the active ingredient inpowdered, crystalline, or granular forms, alone or in combination withat least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient; including, e.g., abinder, disintegrant, controlled-release polymer, lubricant, diluent,and/or colorant. Flavoring and sweetening agents are especially usefulin the formation of chewable tablets and lozenges.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be provided as softor hard capsules, which can be made from, e.g., gelatin,methylcellulose, pullulan, starch, or calcium alginate. The hard gelatincapsule, also known as a dry-filled capsule (DFC), consists of twosections, one slipping over the other, thus completely enclosing theactive ingredient. The soft elastic capsule (SEC) is a soft, globularshell, such as a gelatin shell, which is plasticized by the addition ofglycerin, sorbitol, or a similar polyol. The soft gelatin shells maycontain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Suitablepreservatives are those as described herein, including, but not limitedto, methyl- and propyl-parabens and sorbic acid. The liquid, semisolid,and solid dosage forms provided herein may be encapsulated in a capsuleusing conventional methods. Suitable liquid and semisolid dosage formsinclude, but are not limited to, solutions and suspensions in propylenecarbonate, vegetable oils, or triglycerides. The capsules may also becoated as known by those of skill in the art in order to modify orsustain dissolution of the active ingredient.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be provided inliquid and semisolid dosage forms, including, but not limited to,emulsions, solutions, suspensions, elixirs, and syrups. An emulsion is atwo-phase system, in which one liquid is dispersed in the form of smallglobules throughout another liquid, which can be oil-in-water orwater-in-oil. Emulsions may include a pharmaceutically acceptablenon-aqueous liquid or solvent, emulsifying agent, and preservative.Suspensions may include a pharmaceutically acceptable suspending agentand preservative. Aqueous alcoholic solutions may include apharmaceutically acceptable acetal, such as a di(lower alkyl) acetal ofa lower alkyl aldehyde, e.g., acetaldehyde diethyl acetal; and awater-miscible solvent having one or more hydroxyl groups, such aspropylene glycol and ethanol. Elixirs are clear, sweetened, andhydroalcoholic solutions. Syrups are concentrated aqueous solutions of asugar, for example, sucrose, and may also contain a preservative. For aliquid dosage form, for example, a solution in a polyethylene glycol maybe diluted with a sufficient quantity of a pharmaceutically acceptableliquid carrier, e.g., water, to be measured conveniently foradministration.

Other useful liquid and semisolid dosage forms include, but are notlimited to, those containing an active ingredient, e.g., a compound ofFormula I, and a dialkylated mono- or polyalkylene glycol, including,1,2-dimethoxymethane, diglyme, triglyme, tetraglyme, polyethyleneglycol-350-dimethyl ether, polyethylene glycol-550-dimethyl ether,polyethylene glycol-750-dimethyl ether, wherein 350, 550, and 750 referto the approximate average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol.These formulations may further comprise one or more antioxidants, suchas butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA),propyl gallate, vitamin E, hydroquinone, hydroxycoumarins, ethanolamine,lecithin, cephalin, ascorbic acid, malic acid, sorbitol, phosphoricacid, bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, thiodipropionic acid and itsesters, and dithiocarbamates.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administrationmay be also provided in the form of liposomes, micelles, microspheres,or nanosystems. Micellar dosage forms can be prepared as described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,350,458.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be provided asnoneffervescent or effervescent granules or powders, to be reconstitutedinto a liquid dosage form. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients usedin the non-effervescent granules or powders may include diluents,sweeteners, and wetting agents. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipientsused in the effervescent granules or powders may include organic acidsand a source of carbon dioxide.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be formulated asimmediate or modified release dosage forms, including delayed,sustained, pulsed, controlled, targeted, and programmed release forms.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be co-formulatedwith other active ingredients which do not impair the desiredtherapeutic action, or with substances that supplement the desiredaction.

Parenteral Administration

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be administeredparenterally by injection, infusion, or implantation, for local orsystemic administration. Parenteral administration, as used herein,include intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intrathecal,intraventricular, intraurethral, intrasternal, intracranial,intramuscular, intrasynovial, and subcutaneous administration.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be formulated in anydosage forms that are suitable for parenteral administration, includingsolutions, suspensions, emulsions, micelles, liposomes, microspheres,nanosystems, and solid forms suitable for solutions or suspensions inliquid prior to injection. Such dosage forms can be prepared accordingto conventional methods known to those skilled in the art ofpharmaceutical science. See, e.g., Remington: The Science and Practiceof Pharmacy, supra; Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients; supra.

The pharmaceutical compositions intended for parenteral administrationmay include one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients,including, but not limited to, aqueous vehicles, water-misciblevehicles, non-aqueous vehicles, antimicrobial agents, or preservativesagainst the growth of microorganisms, stabilizers, solubility enhancers,isotonic agents, buffering agents, antioxidants, local anesthetics,suspending and dispersing agents, wetting or emulsifying agents,complexing agents, sequestering or chelating agents, cryoprotectants,lyoprotectants, thickening agents, pH adjusting agents, and inert gases.Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are known and describedin the art. See, e.g., Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, supra.

Suitable aqueous vehicles include, but are not limited to, water,saline, physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), sodiumchloride injection, Ringer's injection, isotonic dextrose injection,sterile water injection, and dextrose and lactated Ringer's injection.Non-aqueous vehicles include, but are not limited to, fixed oils ofvegetable origin, castor oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil,peanut oil, peppermint oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil,hydrogenated vegetable oils, hydrogenated soybean oil, medium-chaintriglycerides of coconut oil, and palm seed oil. Water-miscible vehiclesinclude, but are not limited to, ethanol, 1,3-butanediol, liquidpolyethylene glycol (e.g., polyethylene glycol 300 and polyethyleneglycol 400), propylene glycol, glycerin, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone,N,N-dimethylacetamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide.

Suitable antimicrobial agents or preservatives include, but are notlimited to, phenols, cresols, mercurials, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol,thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride (e.g., benzethonium chloride), methyl-and propyl-parabens, and sorbic acid. Suitable isotonic agents include,but are not limited to, sodium chloride, glycerin, and dextrose.Suitable buffering agents include, but are not limited to, phosphate andcitrate. Suitable antioxidants are those as described herein, includingbisulfite and sodium metabisulfite. Suitable local anesthetics include,but are not limited to, procaine hydrochloride. Suitable suspending anddispersing agents are those as described herein, including sodium CMC,HPMC, and PVP. Suitable emulsifying agents include those describedherein, including polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate 80, and triethanolamine oleate. Suitablesequestering or chelating agents include, but are not limited to, EDTA.Suitable pH adjusting agents include, but are not limited to, sodiumhydroxide, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid. Suitablecomplexing agents include, but are not limited to, cyclodextrins,including a-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin,sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin, and sulfobutylether-7-β-cyclodextrin(CAPTISOL®, CyDex, Lenexa, Kans.).

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be formulated forsingle or multiple dosage administration. The single dosage formulationscan be packaged in, e.g., an ampoule, a vial, or a syringe. In certainembodiments, the multiple dosage parenteral formulations contain anantimicrobial agent at bacteriostatic or fungistatic concentrations. Incertain embodiments, the parenteral formulations provided herein aresterile, as known and practiced in the art.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided asready-to-use sterile solutions. In another embodiment, thepharmaceutical compositions are provided as sterile dry solubleproducts, including lyophilized powders and hypodermic tablets, to bereconstituted with a vehicle prior to use. In yet another embodiment,the pharmaceutical compositions are provided as ready-to-use sterilesuspensions. In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositionsare provided as sterile dry insoluble products to be reconstituted witha vehicle prior to use. In still another embodiment, the pharmaceuticalcompositions are provided as ready-to-use sterile emulsions.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be formulated asimmediate or modified release dosage forms, including delayed,sustained, pulsed, controlled, targeted, and programmed release forms.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated as a suspension,solid, semisolid, or thixotropic liquid, for administration as animplanted depot. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositionsprovided herein are dispersed in a solid inner matrix, which issurrounded by an outer polymeric membrane that is insoluble in bodyfluids but allows the active ingredient in the pharmaceuticalcompositions to diffuse through.

Suitable inner matrixes include polymethylmethacrylate,polybutyl-methacrylate, plasticized or unplasticized polyvinylchloride,plasticized nylon, plasticized polyethylene terephthalate, naturalrubber, polyisoprene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polyethylene,ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, silicone rubbers,polydimethylsiloxanes, silicone carbonate copolymers, hydrophilicpolymers, such as hydrogels of esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid,collagen, cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol, and cross-linked partiallyhydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate.

Suitable outer polymeric membranes include polyethylene, polypropylene,ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene/propylene copolymers,ethylene/ethyl acrylate copolymers, silicone rubbers, polydimethylsiloxanes, neoprene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinylchloride,vinyl chloride copolymers with vinyl acetate, vinylidene chloride,ethylene and propylene, ionomer polyethylene terephthalate, butyl rubberepichlorohydrin rubbers, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer,ethylene/vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol terpolymer, andethylene/vinyloxyethanol copolymer.

Topical Administration

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be administeredtopically to the skin, orifices, or mucosa. The topical administration,as used herein, includes (intra)dermal, conjunctival, intracorneal,intraocular, ophthalmic, auricular, transdermal, nasal, vaginal,urethral, respiratory, and rectal administration.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be formulated in anydosage forms that are suitable for topical administration for local orsystemic effect, including emulsions, solutions, suspensions, creams,gels, hydrogels, ointments, dusting powders, dressings, elixirs,lotions, suspensions, tinctures, pastes, foams, films, aerosols,irrigations, sprays, suppositories, bandages, and dermal patches. Thetopical formulation of the pharmaceutical compositions provided hereinmay also comprise liposomes, micelles, microspheres, nanosystems, andmixtures thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients suitable for use in the topicalformulations provided herein include, but are not limited to, aqueousvehicles, water-miscible vehicles, non-aqueous vehicles, antimicrobialagents or preservatives against the growth of microorganisms,stabilizers, solubility enhancers, isotonic agents, buffering agents,antioxidants, local anesthetics, suspending and dispersing agents,wetting or emulsifying agents, complexing agents, sequestering orchelating agents, penetration enhancers, cryoprotectants,lyoprotectants, thickening agents, and inert gases. Suitablepharmaceutically acceptable excipients are known and described in theart. See, e.g., Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, supra.

The pharmaceutical compositions may also be administered topically byelectroporation, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, sonophoresis, ormicroneedle or needle-free injection, such as POWDERJECT™ (Chiron Corp.,Emeryville, Calif.), and BIOJECT™ (Bioject Medical Technologies Inc.,Tualatin, Oreg.).

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be provided in theform of ointments, creams, or gels. Suitable ointment vehicles includeoleaginous or hydrocarbon vehicles, including lard, benzoinated lard,olive oil, cottonseed oil, and other oils; white petrolatum;emulsifiable or absorption vehicles, such as hydrophilic petrolatum,hydroxystearin sulfate, and anhydrous lanolin; water-removable vehicles,such as hydrophilic ointment; water-soluble ointment vehicles, includingpolyethylene glycols of varying molecular weight; and emulsion vehicles,either water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions,including cetyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, lanolin, and stearicacid. These vehicles are emollient but generally require addition ofantioxidants and preservatives.

Suitable cream bases can be oil-in-water or water-in-oil. Cream vehiclesmay be water-washable, and contain an oil phase, an emulsifier, and anaqueous phase. The oil phase is also called the “internal” phase, whichis generally comprised of petrolatum and a fatty alcohol such as cetylor stearyl alcohol. The aqueous phase usually, although not necessarily,exceeds the oil phase in volume, and generally contains a humectant. Theemulsifier in a cream formulation may be a nonionic, anionic, cationic,or amphoteric surfactant.

Gels are semisolid, suspension-type systems. Single-phase gels containorganic macromolecules distributed substantially uniformly throughout aliquid carrier. Suitable gelling agents include crosslinked acrylic acidpolymers, such as carbomers, carboxypolyalkylenes, CARBOPOL®;hydrophilic polymers, such as polyethylene oxides,polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymers, and polyvinyl alcohol;cellulosic polymers, such as HPC, HEC, HPMC, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, and methylcellulose; gums, such as tragacanthand xanthan gum; sodium alginate; and gelatin. To prepare a uniform gel,dispersing agents such as alcohol or glycerin can be added, or thegelling agent can be dispersed by trituration, mechanical mixing, and/orstirring.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be administeredrectally, urethrally, vaginally, or perivaginally in the form ofsuppositories, pessaries, bougies, poultices or cataplasm, pastes,powders, dressings, creams, plasters, contraceptives, ointments,solutions, emulsions, suspensions, tampons, gels, foams, sprays, orenemas. These dosage forms can be manufactured using conventionalprocesses, such as are described in Remington: The Science and Practiceof Pharmacy, supra.

Rectal, urethral, and vaginal suppositories are solid bodies forinsertion into body orifices, which are solid at ordinary temperaturesbut melt or soften at body temperature to release the activeingredient(s) inside the orifices. Pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients utilized in rectal and vaginal suppositories include bases orvehicles, such as stiffening agents, which impart to the formulation amelting point in the proximity of body temperature. Suitable vehiclesinclude, but are not limited to, cocoa butter (theobroma oil),glycerin-gelatin, carbowax (polyoxyethylene glycol), spermaceti,paraffin, white and yellow wax, and appropriate mixtures of mono-, di-and triglycerides of fatty acids, hydrogels, such as polyvinyl alcohol,hydroxyethyl methacrylate, polyacrylic acid; and glycerinated gelatin.Combinations of the various vehicles may be used. Rectal and vaginalsuppositories may further comprise antioxidants as described herein,including bisulfite and sodium metabisulfite. Rectal and vaginalsuppositories may be prepared by the compressed method or molding. Thetypical mass of a rectal and vaginal suppository is about 2 to about 3g.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be administeredintranasally or by inhalation to the respiratory tract. Thepharmaceutical compositions may be provided in the form of an aerosol orsolution for delivery using a pressurized container, pump, spray,atomizer, such as an atomizer using electrohydrodynamics to produce afine mist, or nebulizer, alone or in combination with a suitablepropellant, such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane. The pharmaceutical compositions mayalso be provided as a dry powder for insufflation, alone or incombination with an inert carrier such as lactose or phospholipids; ornasal drops. For intranasal use, the powder may comprise a bioadhesiveagent, including chitosan or cyclodextrin.

Solutions or suspensions for use in a pressurized container, pump,spray, atomizer, or nebulizer may be formulated to contain ethanol,aqueous ethanol, or a suitable alternative agent, solvent or solventsystem for dispersing, solubilizing, or extending release of the activeingredient provided herein; and/or a propellant as solvent; and/or asurfactant, such as sorbitan trioleate, oleic acid, or an oligolacticacid.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be micronized to asize suitable for delivery by inhalation, such as about 50 micrometersor less, or about 10 micrometers or less. Particles of such sizes may beprepared using a comminuting method known to those skilled in the art,such as spiral jet milling, fluid bed jet milling, supercritical fluidprocessing to form nanoparticles, high pressure homogenization, or spraydrying.

Capsules, blisters, and cartridges for use in an inhaler or insufflatormay be formulated to contain a powder mix of the pharmaceuticalcompositions provided herein; a suitable powder base, such as lactose orstarch; and a performance modifier, such as l-leucine, mannitol, ormagnesium stearate. The lactose may be anhydrous or in the form ofmonohydrates. Other suitable excipients or carriers include dextran,glucose, maltose, sorbitol, xylitol, fructose, sucrose, and trehalose.The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for inhaled/intranasaladministration may further comprise a suitable flavoring agent, such asmenthol and levomenthol, or sweeteners, such as saccharin or saccharinsodium.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for topicaladministration may be formulated to be immediate release or modifiedrelease, including delayed, sustained, pulsed, controlled, targeted, andprogrammed release.

Co-Administration and Combinations

The terms “co-administration” and “in combination with” include theadministration of two or more pharmaceutically active agents (forexample, a compound of Formula I and another antiviral agent or secondagent) either simultaneously, concurrently, or sequentially with nospecific time limits. In one embodiment, both agents are present in thecell or in the patient's body at the same time or exert their biologicalor therapeutic effect at the same time. In one embodiment, the two ormore active agents are in the same composition or unit dosage form. Inanother embodiment, the two or more active agents are provided inseparate compositions or unit dosage forms.

Combinations above may conveniently be presented for use in the form ofa pharmaceutical formulation and, thus, pharmaceutical formulationscomprising a combination as defined above together with at least onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient thereof represent a further aspectof the invention. Thus, in some embodiments, the invention providescompositions comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient, and further comprising one or two additional compounds havinganti-HCV activity. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the inventionprovides combined use of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient, and further comprising use of one or two additional compoundshaving anti-HCV activity, each in a composition with at least onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient or together in a composition withat least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

In some embodiments, the invention provides combined use of a compoundof Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to preparea composition comprising the compound of Formula I, one or twoadditional compounds having anti-HCV activity, and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient.

The components of combinations may be administered either sequentiallyor simultaneously, or in subcombinations, in separate or combinedpharmaceutical formulations. Appropriate combinations may be identifiedby those skilled in the art.

The compounds of Formula I and other individual components of suchcombinations may be provided in therapeutic or subtherapeutic amounts.Irrespective of whether each component in the combination is itselfprovided in an amount that would otherwise be considered therapeutic orsubtherapeutic, and irrespective of whether the components are directedto the same or different specific therapeutic effects, a combinationaccording to the invention is administered in an amount that a skilledpractitioner would deem suitable for the treatment of HCV, as describedherein. In such cases, the combination is said to be administered in atherapeutic amount. Accordingly, an amount of a compound of theinvention might be considered subtherapeutic if administered alone, butwould be considered to be a therapeutic amount if the combination orco-administration regimen is considered therapeutically effective. Forexample, an amount of a compound of Formula I may be administered in anamount that achieves a therapeutic effect, e.g., a reduction inhepatitis C viral load, in combination with one or more other activeagents.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with one or more other antiviral agents. In someembodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered in combinationwith two other antiviral agents. In some embodiments, a compound ofFormula I may be administered in combination with three other antiviralagents. In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administeredin combination with four other antiviral agent. Such combinations aresometimes referred to as “cocktails.” Some combinations of antiviralagents are being used in the clinic to ameliorate the ability of HCV tomutate to overcome the inhibitory activity of a single agent. Use of acompound of Formula I in such combinations can therefore impart usefultherapeutic advantages.

Combinations or co-administration of the compounds of the invention withother active agents may desirably exhibit synergistic effects (i.e., theeffect that is achieved when active ingredients are administeredtogether is greater than the sum of the effects of each agentadministered separately) and/or a higher barrier to drug resistance. Forexample, if two agents are co-administered, their combined effect may besynergistic if a therapeutic effect is achieved notwithstanding that thetwo agents would not be expected to yield an equivalent therapeuticeffect if administered separately or together. On the contrary,antagonism of two agents may be said to exist if their combined effectis less than the sum of the effects of each agent administeredseparately. Synergy, drug resistance, and antagonism may be measuredusing any method that is generally accepted in the art, such as by wayof concentration response curves for a parameter of interest. Synergy,drug resistance, or antagonism for a given combination may be determinedfor inhibition of HCV infection, HCV polymerase activity, apharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic effect, or the like.

Doses and dosing regimens of compounds of Formula I together with activesecond agents and combinations thereof should depend on the specificindication being treated, the age and condition of the patient, and theseverity of adverse effects, and may be adjusted accordingly by those ofskill in the art. Examples of doses and dosing regimens for other activemoieties can be found, for example, in Physician's Desk Reference, andwill require adaptation for use in the methods of the invention.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, there is administered to the patient atherapeutic amount of a combination comprising a compound of Formula Iand at least one other active agent to a patient in need thereof. Insome embodiments, the administered amount of at least one other activeagent is subtherapeutic. In some embodiments, the administered amount ofthe at least one other active agent is therapeutic. In some embodiments,the administered amount of the compound of Formula I is subtherapeutic.In other embodiments, the administered amount of the compound of FormulaI is therapeutic.

Active agents suitable for use in combination with a compound of FormulaI may be agents that have activity against HCV directly or indirectly,e.g., compounds that inhibit or reduce the replication or infectivity ofHCV. Such and HCV agents include, among others, interferons, antiviralagents (e.g., ribavirin, taribavirin (viramidine), amantadine),nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, non-nucleoside HCV NS5Bpolymerase inhibitors, HCV protease inhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCVNS4B inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicase inhibitors, host cell entryinhibitors, and human cyclophilin inhibitors.

In some embodiments, a compound of the invention may be administered incombination with one or more interferon molecules. Exemplary interferonsinclude, without limitation, natural, recombinant, and modified (e.g.,PEG-linked, albumin-linked) interferon molecules. Interferons include,but are not limited to, interferon alfa-2a (Roferon®), interferonalpha-2b (Intron®), interferon alfacon-1 (Infergen®), peginterferonalfa-2a (Pegasys®) or peginterferon alfa-2b (Peglntron®), recombinantalfa interferon (BLX-883; Locteron®), and albinterferon alfa 2b(Zalbin®).

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with an interferon and ribavirin. In such cases, thecompound of the invention may be said to be used to supplement thecurrent standard of care. In some other embodiments, a compound of theinvention is administered in combination with ribavirin.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with one or more compounds that inhibit the activity of theHCV serine protease (NS3-4A). Such protease inhibitors include, withoutlimitation, telaprevir (Incivek™; VX-950; Vertex), boceprevir(Victrelis™; SCH503034; Merck), simeprevir (TMC435;Janssen/Tibotec/Medevir), danoprevir (ITMN-191/RG7227; Hoffmann-LaRoche/Genentech), faldaprevir (BI 201335; Boehringer Ingelheim), BI12202 (Boehringer Ingelheim), vaniprevir (MK-7009; Merck), MK-5172(Merck), paritaprevir (ABT-450; Abbvie); VX500 (Vertex), PHX1766(Phenomix), BILN2061 (Boehringer Ingelheim), GS-9256 (Gilead), GS-9451(Gilead), asunaprevir (BMS-650032; Bristol-Myers Squibb), VX-985(Vertex), sovaprevir (ACH-1625; Achillion), ACH-2684 (Achillion), andnarlaprevir (SCH900518; Merck).

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with one or more nucleoside inhibitors of the HCV polymerase(NS5B). Suitable NI compounds include, among others, IDX184 (Idenix),mericitabine (RG7128, R-7128, R05024048; Hoffmann-La Roche/Genentech),PSI-7851 (Pharmasset), PSI-938 (Pharmasset), sofosbuvir (SOVALDI®,PSI-7977; Gilead/Pharmasset), TMC647055 (Janssen); and VX-135 (Vertex),as well as phosphoramidate nucleotide analogs such as INX-189(Inhibitex), TMC649128 (Tibotec/Medevir). Combinations of compounds ofFormula I with other NS5B inhibitors may be used, for example,combinations with ALS-2200 or ALS-2158 (Vertex and Alios Biopharma)

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with one or more non-nucleoside inhibitors of the HCVpolymerase (NS5B). Suitable NNI compounds include, without limitation,compounds that bind to or inhibit activity through one of the identifiedNNI sites on the NS5B protein. See, Powdrill et al., Viruses, 2010,2:2169-95 and Appleby et al., “Viral RNA Polymerase Inhibitors,” Chapter23 in Viral Genome Replication, Cameron et al., eds., SpringerScience+Business Media 2009. These NNI compounds may be classified onthe basis of the site with which they interact.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may beco-administered, or provided in combination, with an NNI I inhibitorcompound, an NNI II inhibitor compound, an NNI III inhibitor compound,or an NNI IV inhibitor compound, or a combination such compounds.Accordingly, in some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may beadministered in combination with one or more compounds selected fromamong:

-   -   NNI I compounds including, among others, JTK-109 (Japan        Tobacco), BILB-1941 (Boehringer Ingelheim), MK-3281 (Merck), BI        207127 (Boehringer Ingelheim);    -   NNI II compounds including, among others, filibuvir (PF-868554;        Pfizer), VX-759 (VCH-759; Vertex), VCH-916 (Vertex), VX-222        (VCH-222; Vertex), GS-9669 (Gilead);    -   NNI III compounds including, among others, GSK625433 (Glaxo        SmithKline), ANA-598 (Anadys/Roche), dasabuvir (ABT-333;        Abbvie), ABT-072 (Abbott), setrobuvir (ANA-5981; Hoffmann-La        Roche/Genentech); or    -   NNI IV compounds including, among others, HCV-796        (ViroPharma/Wyeth), tegobuvir (GS-9190; Gilead), IDX375        (Idenix).

In other embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with one or more other NS5B polymerase inhibitors including,among others, BMS 791325 (Bristol-Myers Squibb), R1626 (Roche), A-848837(Abbott), and A-837093 (Abbott), as well as the compounds disclosed inInternational patent publications WO 02/100846 A1, WO 02/100851 A2, WO2004/052879 A2, WO 2004/052885 A1, WO 2006/072347 A2, WO 2006/119646 A1,WO 2008/017688 A1, WO 2008/043791 A2, WO 2008/058393 A1, WO 2008/059042A1, WO 2008/125599 A1, and WO 2009/000818 A1; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,881,741B2, 6,887,877 B2, and 6,936,629 B2, 7,402,608 B2, and 7,569,600 B2; andYang et al., Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2010, 20:4614-19.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with an active compound that inhibits another activity orfunction of a target selected from HCV metalloprotease, HCV serineprotease, HCV polymerase, HCV helicase, HCV NS4B protein, HCV entry, HCVassembly, HCV egress, HCV NS5A protein, and inosine-5′-monophosphatedehydrogenase (IMPDH). For example, a compound of the invention may beadministered in combination with one or more compounds selected from:

-   -   NS5A (regulatory protein) inhibitors, e.g., daclatasvir        (BMS-790052; Bristol-Myers Squibb), BMS-824383 (Bristol-Myers        Squibb), AZD7295 (AstraZeneca), PPI-461 (Presidio), PPI-688        (Presidio), GS-5885 (Gilead), ACH-2928 (Achillion), IDX-719        (Idenix), ombitasvir (ABT-267; Abbvie); ledipasvir (GS-5885;        Gilead), ACH-3102 (Achillion), GS-5816 (Gilead), JNJ-56914845        (GSK 2336805; Janssen), MK-8742 (Merck);    -   NS3 (peptidase/helicase) inhibitors, e.g., BMS-650032        (Bristol-Myers Squibb);    -   NS4B (regulatory protein) inhibitors, e.g., clemizole (Eiger        Biopharmaceuticals); Host-cell entry inhibitors, e.g., ITX5061        (iTherX); and    -   Cyclophilin inhibitors, such as cyclophilin-A inhibitors, e.g.,        Debio 025 (alisporivir), SCY-635, NIM811, and other cyclosporin        (ciclosporin) derivatives.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with two or more compounds that inhibit activities orfunctions of HCV. For example, a compound of Formula I may beadministered in combination with combinations of HCV NS5B (polymerase)inhibitors and NS5A (regulatory protein) inhibitors, such assofosbuvir+ledipasvir (HARVONI®; Gilead), and sofosbuvir with GS-5816.As another example, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with combinations of HCV NS5B (polymerase) inhibitors, suchas TMC435, and NS5A (regulatory protein) inhibitors, such asJNJ-56914845.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with one or more compounds that inhibit activities orfunctions of HCV and one or more compounds that have other activities.For example, a compound of Formula I may be administered in combinationwith combinations of a NS3-4A protease inhibitor, that is boosted withritonavir (NORVIR®; Abbvie), which inhibits CYP3A4, a host enzyme thatcan metabolize protease inhibitors. These include, for example, ABT-450boosted with ritonavir and danoprevir boosted with ritonavir.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be employed incombination with multiple active agents. As one example of suchcombinations, a compound of Formula I may be employed in combinationwith a protease inhibitor (e.g., paritaprevir) boosted with ritonavir,and a NS5A inhibitor (e.g., ombitasvir), optionally with ribavirin.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula I may be administered incombination with a compound selected from interleukin 2, interleukin 6,interleukin 12, a compound that enhances the development of a type 1helper T cell response, interfering RNA, anti-sense RNA, imiquimod,ribavirin, an IMPDH inhibitor, amantadine, and rimantadine.

The compounds of Formula I may also be used in combination with othertherapeutic agents, for example, therapeutic vaccines, anti-fibroticagents, anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids or NSAIDs,bronchodilators such as beta-2 adrenergic agonists and xanthines (e.g.,theophylline), mucolytic agents, anti-muscarinics, anti-leukotrienes,inhibitors of cell adhesion (e.g., ICAM antagonists), anti-oxidants(e.g., N-acetylcysteine), cytokine agonists, cytokine antagonists, lungsurfactants and/or antimicrobial agents. The compounds of Formula I mayalso be used in combination with gene replacement therapy.

While the active moieties mentioned herein as second active agents maybe identified as free active moieties, salt forms (including salts withhydrogen or coordination bonds), solvates, or as non-covalentderivatives (e.g., chelates, complexes, and clathrates) of such activemoieties, it is to be understood that the given representativecommercial drug products are not limiting, and free active moieties, orsalts or other derivative forms of the active moieties may alternativelybe employed. Accordingly, reference to an active moiety should beunderstood to encompass not just the free active moiety but anypharmacologically acceptable salt, solvate, or other derivative formthat is consistent with the specified parameters of use.

EXAMPLES

The chemistry examples, synthetic schemata, and intermediates, providedherein are intended to illustrate synthetic routes suitable forpreparation of the compounds of the invention (and their intermediates),to assist in understanding the present invention. With appropriatemanipulation and protection of any chemical functionality, synthesis ofcompounds of Formula I is accomplished by methods analogous to thosedescribed herein. Suitable protecting groups can be found, for example,in P. G. M. Wuts and T. W. Greene, Greene's Protective Groups in OrganicSynthesis, 4th Ed., 2006, Wiley Interscience.

Methods for testing for activity of the compounds of the invention aredescribed in the examples. The skilled persons will know of othermethods for identifying compounds having activity against the NS5Bpolymerase. For example, McKercher et al., Nucl Acids Res, 2004,32(2):422-31, describes a method for identifying NS5B inhibitorcompounds; Burton J R, Everson, G T, Clin Liver Dis. 2009, 13, 453-465;Soriano et al., Expert Opin Pharmacother, 2013, 14, 1161-1170.

Synthetic intermediates were analyzed LC-MS. Final products wereanalyzed and confirmed by LC-MS and ¹H NMR. The LC-MS method: theinstrument was Agilent 1100 HPLC and Agilent 3200 mass spectrometer withESI(+) detector. The analytical column used was a Synergi Hydro-RPcolumn (00B-4375-E0; Phenomenex), and the compounds were eluted for 3minutes (10% to 95% acetonitrile (ACN) in water, containing 0.1%trifluoroacetic acid).

Example 1 Ethyl 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-oxopropanoate (1-2)

To a stirred solution of potassium-t-butoxide (323 g, 2.89 mol) intoluene (1 L) was added diethyl carbonate (533 g, 4.51 mol) at RT, andthe mixture was heated to 80° C. for 1 hr. 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-ethanone(250 g, 1.80 mol) in toluene (2 L) was added to the reaction mixtureslowly and stirred at 70° C. for 2 hr, then cooled to RT and stirringwas continued for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched with diluteHCl, then diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (EtOAc;3×800 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried overNa₂SO₄, and concentrated. The crude compound was purified by fractionaldistillation to give 1-2 (210 g, 55% yield, 1 mol) as pale yellowliquid. MS=211.2 [M+1]⁺.

Ethyl 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxybenzofuran-3-carboxylate (1-3)

To a stirred solution of ethyl 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-oxopropanoate (5 g,23 mmol) in toluene (75 mL) was added ZnCl₂ (1 M in diethyl ether) (34mL, 34.5 mmol) slowly at 110° C. p-Benzoquinone (3.4 g, 30.9 mmol) intetrahydrofuran (THF) was added dropwise and stirring was continued for6 hr at 110° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT, water (100 mL)was added, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). Theorganic layer was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated.The crude compound was purified by column chromatography (100-200silica) to afford 1-3 (2.6 g, 36% yield) as a brown solid. MS=301.0[M+1]⁺.

Ethyl 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropoxybenzofuran-3-carboxylate (1-4)

Cesium carbonate (Cs₂CO₃; 58.3 g, 33 mmol) was added to a solution of1-3 (50 g, 166.6 mmol) in dimethylformamide (DMF) (250 mL) followed bythe addition of 2-bromopropane (80 mL, 83 mmol) drop wise. Then, thereaction mixture was heated to 60° C. and stirred for 2 hr. Afterconsumption of the starting material (by TLC), the reaction mixture wasdiluted with ice cold water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL).The organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by washings with diethylether and pentane to afford 1-4 (45 g, 79% yield) as an off-white solid.MS=343.1 [M+1]⁺.

Ethyl 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropoxy-6-nitrobenzofuran-3-carboxylate(1-5)

To a stirred solution of 1-4 (45 g, 131.5 mmol) in chloroform (500 mL)was added drop wise 70% HNO₃ (80 mL) in CHCl₃ (200 mL) at 0° C. andstirred at RT for 2 hr. After completion of the reaction as indicated byTLC, the mixture was poured into ice cold water (100 mL), extracted withEtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL), driedover Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude compound was purified by washingwith diethyl ether and pentane to afford 1-5 (44 g, 86% yield) as ayellow solid.

Ethyl 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-6-nitrobenzofuran-3-carboxylate (1-6)

Boron trichloride (BCl₃; 500 mL, 85.7 mmol) was added to a stirredsolution of 1-5 (44 g, 113.3 mmol) in dichloromethane (DCM; 900 mL) at0° C. and the reaction was continued to stir at same temperature for 2hr. After completion of the reaction as indicated by TLC, the mixturewas poured in to ice cold water (200 mL), extracted with DCM (2×300 mL).The combined organic layer was washed with brine (100 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude compound was purified by washingswith pentane to afford 1-6 (38 g, 110.14 mmol, 97%) as a yellow solid.MS=344.1 [M+1]⁺.

Ethyl2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-nitro-5-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-benzofuran-3-carboxylate(1-7)

N-Phenylbis(trifloromethanesulfonamide) (phenyltriflimide; 24.8 g, 69.5mmol) was added to a stirred solution of 1-6 (20 g, 57.9 mmol) inACN/DMF (500 mL, 10:1) at 0° C. and the reaction was continued to stirat 0° C. for 2 hr. After completion of the reaction (by TLC), thereaction mixture was poured in to ice cold water (100 mL), extractedwith EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with water(50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crudecompound washed with pentane (100 mL) and dried to afford 1-7 (27.6 g,quantitative yield) as an off-white solid.

Ethyl 5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-nitrobenzofuran-3-carboxylate(1-8)

To a stirred, degassed solution of 1-7 (27.6 g, 57.9 mmol) in toluene(250 mL) was added cyclopropyl boronic acid (7.46 g, 86.79 mmol), sodiumbromide (6.14 g, 59.6 mmol), potassium fluoride (11.4 g, 191.52 mmol).After degassing for 20 min, Pd(PPh₃)₄ (2 g, 1.73 mmol) was added and thereaction was continued to stir at 110° C. for 16 hr. After completion ofthe reaction was indicated by TLC, the mixture was poured into ice coldwater (500 mL), extracted with EtOAc (3×250 mL). The combined organiclayer was washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography(230-400 silica) using 13% DCM in hexane to afford 1-8 (8 g, 21.68 mmol,38% yield) as a yellow solid. MS=370 [M+1]⁺.

Ethyl 6-amino-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzofuran-3-carboxylate(1-9)

To a stirred solution of 1-8 (5.7 g, 15.43 mmol) in a mixture ofmethanol (MeOH), THF and water (3:3:1) was added zinc dust (4.03 g,61.73 mmol) and NH₄Cl at RT and the mixture was heated at 80° C. for 6hr. After completion of the reaction as indicated by TLC, the mixturewas filtered through celite pad, washed with EtOAc. Filtrateconcentrated under reduced pressure, crude residue was diluted withEtOAc (100 mL) and washed with water (100 mL), brine (50 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude compound was washed with pentane (30mL) to afford 1-9 (5.2 g, quantitative) as an orange solid. MS=340[M+1]⁺.

Ethyl5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-(N-(methylsulfonyl)-methylsulfonamido)-benzofuran-3-carboxylate(1-10)

To a stirred solution of 1-9 (5.2 g, 15.33 mmol) in DCM (70 mL) wasadded mesylchloride (2.72 mL, 35.2 mmol), triethylamine (11.62 mL, 76.66mmol) at 0° C. and the reaction was continued to stir at RT for 2 hr.After completion of starting material as indicated by TLC, the mixturewas poured in to ice cold water (50 mL), extracted with DCM (100 mL).The organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated to afford 1-10 (6 g, 79% yield) as an orange solid.MS=496.4 [M+1]⁺.

5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-(methylsulfonamido)benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid (1-11)

To a stirred solution of 1-10 (6 g, 12.12 mmol) in a mixture of MeOH,THF and H₂O (3:3:1, 75 mL) was added NaOH (1.93 g, 48.48 mmol) at RT andstirred for 6 hr at 80° C. After completion of reaction as indicated byTLC, the reaction mixture was concentrated to remove organic volatiles,crude compound was diluted with water (20 mL), and neutralized using 1 NHCl (pH ˜3-4), extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer waswashed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crudecompound was washed with pentane to afford 1-11 (4.9 g, quantitative) asan off-white solid. MS=390.1 [M+1]⁺.

5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methyl-6-(methylsulfonamido)benzofuran-3-carboxamide(1-12)

To a solution of 1-11 (14 g, 35.9 mmol) in DCM (150 mL) was added HATU(27.3 g, 71.9 mmol), DIPEA (18.8 mL, 107.9 mmol) at 0° C. and thereaction was continued to stir at RT for 16 hr. After completion ofreaction as indicated by TLC, the mixture was poured in to ice coldwater (100 mL), extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer waswashed with water (50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography(100-200 silica) and washings with DCM and pentane to afford 1-12 (11 g,75.8% yield) as an off-white solid. MS=403.5 [M+H]⁺.

Example 2 1-(3-Bromomethyl-phenyl)-ethanone (2-2A)

To a stirred solution of 1-m-tolylethanone 2-1A (25 g, 186.43 mmol) inACN (ACN; 200 mL) was added NBS (36.4 g, 205.07 mmol) andazoisobutyronitrile (AIBN; 3.06 g, 18.64 mmol) at room temperature(ambient; RT). The reaction mixture was warmed to 90° C. for 6 hours(hr) under N₂ atmosphere. The reaction mixture solvent was evaporatedunder reduced pressure and the crude residue washed with toluene (500mL) and filtered the precipitate (NBS). Filtrate evaporated underreduced pressure and the crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 3% EtOAc (EtOAc) in petroleumether (pet. ether) to afford 2-2A (27.6 g, 129.57 mmol, 70% yield) as anoff-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 213.0 (M+1)+.

Step-A above was adapted using 1-p-tolyl-ethanone 2-1B to prepare 2-2B.

2-(2-(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethanol (2-4A)

To a stirred solution of 2,2′-oxydiethanol 2-3A (30 g, 282.70 mmol) inDCM (900 mL) was added dihydropyran (DHP; 20.6 mL, 226.16 mmol) andpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (PTSA; 5.3 g, 28.27 mmol) at 0° C., andstirred at RT for 4 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (600mL) extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×800 mL), the combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×100 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Theresidue was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica)using 2% MeOH (MeOH) in DCM to afford 2-4A (16 g, 84.21 mmol, 30% yield)as a yellow thick liquid.

Step-B was adapted by substituting 2-3B through 2-3E for 2-3A, toprepare the following tetrahydro-2H-pyran (THP) compounds:

2-3B (30 g, 0.2 mmol) was used to prepare 2-4B (10 g, 21% yield).

2-3C (30 g, 0.15 mmol) was used to prepare 2-4C (7 g, 16% yield).

2-3D (10 g, 42.0 mmol) was used to prepare 2-4D (3.01 g, 22.2% yield).

2-3E (10 g, 35.0 mmol) was used to prepare 2-4E (4.02 g, 30.8% yield).

1-(3-(2-(2-Tetra-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)-phenyl)-ethanone(2-5A)

To a stirred solution of 1-(3-(bromomethyl)-phenyl)-ethanone 2-2A (8 g,42.1 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added NaH (1.6 g, 42.1 mmol) at 0° C., andreaction was continued at RT for 30 min. 2-4A (9.3 g, 44.2 mmol) in THF(30 mL) was added to reaction mixture at 0° C. for 5 min. and reactionwas continued at RT for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched withice cold water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×200 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with water (2×200 mL), brine (150mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc/hexanes toafford 2-5A (3.8 g, 11.80 mmol, 28% yield) as yellow thick liquid. MS(ESI): m/z 344.9 (M+23)⁺.

Step-C was adapted by substituting 2-4B through 2-4E for 2-4A,respectively, to prepare the following compounds:

2-4B (1.3 g, 5.0 mmol) was used to prepare 2-5B (3.8 g, 28% yield).

2-4C (2.5 g, 9.027 mmol) was used to prepare 2-5C (1.7 g, 46% yield). MS(ESI): m/z 428.2 (M+18)⁺.

2-4D (3.0 g, 9.32 mmol) was used to prepare 2-5D (1.51g, 35.7% yield).MS (ESI): m/z 477.2 (M+23)⁺.

2-4E (3.0 g, 8.19 mmol) was used to prepare 2-5E (1.71g, 41.2% yield).

Step-C was also adapted by substituting 2-2B for 2-2A, together with2-4A through 2-4E, respectively, to prepare the following compounds:

2-4A (1.6 g, 8.4 mmol) was used to prepare 2-5F (910 mg, 32% yield). MS(ESI): m/z 340.2 (M+18)⁺.

2-4B (1.4 g, 5.0 mmol) was used to prepare 2-5G (790 mg, 38% yield).

2-4C (1.3 g, 4.67 mmol) was used to prepare 2-5H (750 mg, 38% yield).

2-4D (1.5 g, 4.658 mmol) was used to prepare 2-5I (950 mg, 45% yield).MS (ESI): m/z 472.3 (M+18)⁺.

2-4E (1.8 g, 4.92 mmol) was used to prepare 2-5J (1.02 g, 41% yield). MS(ESI): m/z 516.3 (M+18)⁺.

1-(3-(2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)-phenyl)-ethanone (2-6A)

To a stirred solution of 2-5A (3.8 g, 11.8 mmol) in MeOH (40 mL) wasadded pyridinium p-toluene sulfonate (PPTS; 0.59 g, 2.30 mmol) at 0° C.and stirred at RT for 16 hr. The solvents were distilled-off underreduced pressure. The residue obtained was extracted with EtOAc (3×150mL). The combined organic layer washed with brine (100 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 5% acetone in DCM to afford 2-6A(1.4 g, 5.88 mmol, 50% yield) as a gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 239.0(M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

2-5B (720 mg, 5.0 mmol) was used to prepare 2-6B (589 mg, 84% yield). MSnot collected.

2-5C (1.7 g, 4.146 mmol) was used to prepare 2-6C (1.2 g, 89%). MS(ESI): m/z 327.1 (M+1)⁺.

2-5D (1.5 g, 3.3 mmol) was used to prepare 2-6D (850 mg, 70%). MS (ESI):m/z 371.1 (M+1)⁺.

2-5E (1.7 g, 3.4 mmol) was used to prepare 2-6E (1.1 g, 78%). MS (ESI):m/z 415.2 (M+1)⁺.

2-5F (900 mg, 2.8 mmol) was used to prepare 2-6F (650 mg, 97%). MS(ESI): m/z 239.1 (M+1)⁺.

2-5G (790 mg, 2.1 mmol) was used to prepare 2-6G (600 mg, 92%). MS(ESI): m/z 283.1 (M+1)⁺.

2-5H (1.3 g, 4.67 mmol) was used to prepare 2-6H (750 mg, 38%). MS(ESI): m/z 412 (M+1)⁺.

2-5I (950 mg, 2.092 mmol) was used to prepare 2-61 (560 mg, 72%). MS(ESI): m/z 369.3 (M+1)⁺.

2-5J (1.02 g, 2 mmol) was used to prepare 2-6J (800 mg, 94%). MS (ESI):m/z 415.2 (M+1)⁺.

2-(2-(3-Acetylbenzyloxy) ethoxy) ethyl methane sulfonate (2-7A)

Methane sulfonyl chloride (0.7 mL, 8.80 mmol) was added to a solution of2-6A (1.4 g, 5.88 mmol) in DCM (50 mL) and triethylamine (2.5 mL, 17.6mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (50 mL) extracted with DCM (3×100 mL). The combinedorganic layer was washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanes to afford 2-7A (1.8 g, 5.69mmol, 97% yield) as gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 316.8 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

2-6B (700 mg, 2.4 mmol) was used to prepare 2-7B (650 mg, 68%). MS(ESI): m/z 361.1 (M+1)+.

2-6C (400 mg, 1.226 mmol) was used to prepare 2-7C (420 mg, 85%). MS notcollected.

2-6D (850 mg, 2.29 mmol) was used to prepare 2-7D (800 mg, 78%). MS(ESI): m/z 466.2 (M+18)⁺.

2-6E (500 mg, 2.29 mmol) was used to prepare 2-7E (460 mg, 70%). MS notcollected.

2-6F (650 mg, 2.7 mmol) was used to prepare 2-7F (660 mg, 76%). MS(ESI): m/z 317 (M+1)⁺.

2-6G (600 mg, 2.1 mmol) was used to prepare 2-7G (540 mg, 72%). MS(ESI): m/z 361.0 (M+1)⁺.

2-6H (600 mg, 1.46 mmol) was used to prepare 2-7H (460 mg, 78%). MS notcollected.

2-6I (560 mg, 1.513 mmol) was used to prepare 2-7I (600 mg, 88%). MS(ESI): m/z 466.3 (M+18)⁺.

2-6J (800 mg, 1.92 mmol) was used to prepare 2-7J (610 mg, 64%). MS(ESI): m/z 493.1 (M+1)⁺.

6-(N-(2-(2-(3-Acetylbenzyloxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide(2-8A)

To a stirred solution of [1-12] (1.6 g, 4.00 mmol) in DMF (40 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (1.6 g, 11.90 mmol) followed by 2-7A (1.8 g,5.60 mmol), catalytic amount of tetrabutyl ammonium iodide at 80° C. for16 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (75mL) washed with water (2×40 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH-DCM to afford 2-8A (1.3 g, 2.09 mmol, 42%yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 622.9 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

6-[(2-{2-[2-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (2-8B)

2-7B (535 mg, 1.4 mmol) was used to prepare 2-8B (518 mg, 63%). MS(ESI): m/z 667.2 (M+1)⁺.

6-{[2-(2-{2-[2-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethyl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (2-8C)

2-7C (380 mg, 0.940 mmol) was used to prepare 2-8C (320 mg, 57%). MS(ESI): m/z 711.1 (M+1)⁺.

6-({2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (2-8D)

2-7D (536 mg, 1.19 mmol) was used to prepare 2-8D (550 mg, 73%). MS(ESI): m/z 755.2 (M+1)⁺.

6-[(2-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (2-8E)

2-7E (411 mg, 0.83 mmol) was used to prepare 2-8E (402 mg, 64%). MS(ESI): m/z 799.2 (M+1)⁺.

6-({2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (2-8F)

2-7F (377 mg, 1.19 mmol) was used to prepare 2-8F (460 mg, 75%). MS(ESI): m/z 623.2 (M+1)⁺.

6-[(2-{2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (2-9G)

2-7G (429 mg, 1.1 mmol) was used to prepare 2-8G (420 mg, 65%). MS(ESI): m/z 665.6 (M+1)+.

6-{[2-(2-{2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethyl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (2-8H)

2-7H (1.18 g, 3.61 mmol) was used to prepare 2-8H (1.4 g, quantitative).MS (ESI): m/z 711.3 (M+1)⁺.

6-({2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (2-8I)

2-7I (434 mg, 0.970 mmol) was used to prepare 2-8I (300 mg, 53%). MS(ESI): m/z 755.3 (M+1)⁺.

6-[(2-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(4-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (2-8J)

2-7J (440 mg, 0.89 mmol) was used to prepare 2-8J (350 mg, 58%). MS(ESI): m/z 799.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-{3-2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9A)

To a stirred solution of 2-8A (0.35 g, 0.56 mmol) in THF (5 mL) wasadded potassium hexamethyldisilazane at −78° C., and the reactionmixture was warmed to −55° C. for 1 hr. Diethyl oxalate was added to thereaction mixture at −78° C. and the reaction mixture was warmed to −55°C. for 2 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction was quenched withammonium chloride solution, and extracted with EtOAc (3×40 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with brine (2×20 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography using neutral silica (100-200 silica) 2% MeOH-DCM toafford (0.7 g, crude) 2-9A, as a brownish gummy solid. MS (ESI): m/z721.1 (M-1)+.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

4-(3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9B)

2-8B (100 mg, 0.15 mmol) was used to prepare 2-9B (60 mg, crude). MS(ESI): m/z 767.2 (M+1)+.

4-[3-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxymethyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9C)

2-8C (160 mg, 0.225 mmol) was used to prepare 2-9C (110 mg, crude). MS(ESI): m/z 811.2 (M+1)⁺.

4-{3-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9D)

2-8D (100 mg, 0.13 mmol) was used to prepare 2-9D (50 mg, 44%). MS(ESI): m/z 855.3 (M+1)+.

4-(3-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9E)

2-8E (100 mg, 0.12 mmol) was used to prepare 2-9E (75 mg, 66%). MS(ESI): m/z 899.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-{4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9F)

2-8F (100 mg, 0.16 mmol) was used to prepare 2-9F (150 mg). MS (ESI):m/z 723.1 (M+1)⁺.

4-(4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9G)

2-8G (100 mg, 0.15 mmol) was used to prepare 2-9G (115 mg, crude). MS(ESI): m/z 767.0 (M+1)⁺.

4-[4-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxymethyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9H)

2-8H (100 mg, 0.14 mmol) was used to prepare 2-9H (80 mg, crude). MS(ESI): m/z 811.6 (M+1)⁺.

4-{4-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9I)

2-8I (100 mg, 0.132 mmol) was used to prepare 2-9I (90 mg, crude). MS(ESI): m/z 855.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-(4-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (2-9J)

2-8J (150 mg, 0.19 mmol) was used to prepare 2-9J (120 mg, 71%). MS(ESI): m/z 899.4 (M+1)⁺.

4-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10A)

To a stirred solution of 2-8A crude mixture (0.7 g, 0.97 mmol) in THFand water (8 mL; 4:1) was added LiOH (0.14 g, 5.82 mmol) at 0° C. andreaction was continued at RT for 2 hr. After completion of the reaction(TLC), solvents were evaporated via rotary evaporator (Hiedolphrotavapour), residue extracted with pet. ether (50 mL). Then aqueouslayer was neutralized with 1N HCl (10 mL) followed by extracted withEtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine(2×50 mL), dried Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified bypreparative HPLC to afford 2-10A (50 mg) as an off-white solid. MS(ESI): m/z 693.7 (M−1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

4-(3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10B)

2-9B (60 mg, crude) was used to prepare 2-10B (5.0 mg). MS (ESI): m/z739.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-[3-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxymethyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10C)

2-9C (120 mg, 0.148 mmol) was used to prepare 2-10C (4 mg, 4%). MS(ESI): m/z 781.6 (M−1)⁺.

4-{3-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10D)

2-9D (50 mg, 0.06 mmol) was used to prepare 2-10D (5 mg, 10%). MS (ESI):m/z 827.2 (M+1)⁺.

4-(3-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10E)

2-9E (40 mg, 0.05 mmol) was used to prepare 2-10E (5 mg, 11%). MS (ESI):m/z 870.6 (M+1)⁺.

4-{4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10F)

2-9F (90 mg, crude) was used to prepare 2-10F (8.6 mg). MS (ESI): m/z692.9 (M−1)⁻.

4-(4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10G)

2-9G (50 mg, crude) was used to prepare 2-10G (3.6 mg). MS (ESI): m/z739.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-[4-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxymethyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10H)

2-9H (60 mg, 0.074 mmol) was used to prepare 2-10H (11.5 mg, 19%). MS(ESI): m/z 783.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-{4-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10I)

2-9I (60 mg, 0.0705 mmol) was used to prepare 2-10I (6 mg, 10%). MS notcollected.

4-(4-{2-[2-(2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (2-10J)

2-9J (70 mg, 0.08 mmol) was used to prepare 2-10J (10 mg, 14%). MS(ESI): m/z 871.8 (M+1)⁺.

Example 3 1-(3-((2-Hydroxyethoxy)-methyl)-phenyl)-ethanone (3-2A)

To a stirred solution of 2-2A (5 g, 23.5 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was addedethane-1,2-diol (1.31 g, 21.22 mmol) and Ag₂O (8.15 g, 35.3 mmol) at RT,then refluxed for 12 hr. The reaction mixture was filtered and thefiltrate was concentrated, then diluted with EtOAc (300 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with water (2×200 mL), brine (150mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. The crude residue was purifiedby flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc/hexanesto afford 3-2A (2.01 g, 10.3 mmol, 44.6% yield) as a colorless thickliquid. MS (ESI): m/z 195.06 (M+1)⁺.

Adapting the above procedure (Step-A), propane-1,2-diol (1 g, 4.73 mmol)was substituted for ethane-1,2-diol to prepare 3-2B (670 mg, 68%). MS(ESI): m/z 209.0 (M+1)⁺.

2-((3-acetylbenzyl)-oxy)-ethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (3-3A)

p-Toluene sulfonyl chloride (740 mg, 3.91 mmol) was added to a solutionof 3-2A (630 mg, 3.01 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) and triethylamine (1.45 mL,9.6 mmol) at 0° C. and DMAP (cat. amount), stirred at RT for 1 hr. Thereaction mixture was diluted with water (100 mL), and extracted with DCM(3×100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (100 mL),dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. The crude residue was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanesto afford 3-3A (710 mg, 2.06 mmol, 64.2% yield) as a brown gummy liquid.MS (ESI): m/z 348.9 (M+1)⁺.

1-(3-((2-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)-phenyl)-ethanone (3-4A)

To a stirred solution of 1, 3-propanediol (0.73 mL, 10.1 mmol) in THF(10 mL) was added NaH (37 mg, 2.2 mmol) at 0° C., and reaction wascontinued at RT for 30 min. 3-3A (710 mg, 2.01 mmol) in THF (5 mL) wasadded to the reaction mixture at 0° C. over 5 min. and reaction wasrefluxed for 4 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water(100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL), The combined organiclayers were washed with water (2×100 mL), brine (150 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 3-4A(260 mg, 1.08 mmol, 50% yield) as a colorless thick liquid. MS (ESI):m/z 253.1 (M+1)⁺.

3-(2-((3-acetylbenzyl)-oxy)-ethoxy)-propylmethanesulfonate (3-5A)

Methane sulfonylchloride (0.11 mL, 1.4 mmol) was added to a solution of3-4A (300 mg, 1.10 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and triethylamine (0.51 mL, 3.5mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (50 mL) and extracted with DCM (3×50 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with brine (50 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 25% EtOAc in hexanes to afford3-5A (355 mg, 0.81 mmol, 90% yield) as a brown liquid. MS (ESI): m/z331.1 (M+1)⁺.

6-(N-(3-(2-((3-acetylbenzyl)-oxy)-ethoxy)-propyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide(3-6A)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (350 mg, 0.80 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (360 mg, 2.60 mmol) followed by 3-5A (345 mg,1.01 mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI at 80° C. for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (100 mL), then washedwith water (2×50 mL), brine (50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 45% EtOAc/pet. ether to afford 3-6A (380 mg, 0.59mmol, 69% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 636.9 (M+1)⁺.

4-{3-[2-(3-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-propoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (3-7A)

To a stirred solution of 3-6A (100 mg, 0.12 mmol) in THF (5 mL) wasadded potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (KHMDS; 0.39 mL, 0.31 mmol) at−78° C., and the reaction mixture was warmed to −55° C. for 1 hr. Then,diethyl oxalate (0.03 mL, 0.21 mmol) added to the reaction mixture at−78° C. and the reaction mixture warmed to −55° C. for 2 hr, undernitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was quenched with ammoniumchloride solution, extracted into EtOAc (3×40 mL). The combined organiclayers were washed with brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatographyusing neutral silica (100-200 silica) 5% acetone-DCM to afford (90 mg,crude) 3-7A, as a brownish gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 737.2 (M+1)⁺.

4-{3-[2-(3-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-propoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (3-8A)

To a stirred solution of 3-7A (90 mg, 0.10 mmol) in THF and water (5 mL,(1:1)) was added LiOH (20 mg, 0.70 mmol) at 0° C., and the reaction wascontinued at RT for 5 hr. After completion of the reaction (by TLC),solvents were evaporated with a rotary evaporator, and the residueextracted with ether (50 mL). The aqueous layer was neutralized with 1NHCl (5 mL) followed by extraction with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (2×50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC to afford3-8A (3.5 mg, 3% yield) as pale brown solid. MS (ESI): m/z 709.2 (M+1)⁺.

4-{3-[3-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-propoxymethyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (3-8B)

The procedure given above was adapted by substituting 3-2B for 3-2A inStep-B, followed by appropriate modification of the succeeding StepsC-F, to prepare 3-8B. MS (ESI): m/z 709.6 (M+1)⁺.6-({2-[3-(3-Acetyl-benzyloxy)-propoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (3-6B) was prepared during Step-E of this procedure.

Example 4 2,2,3,3-Tetramethyl-4,7,10,13-tetraoxa-3-silapentadecan-15-ol(4-2)

To a stirred solution of 2,2′-(2,2′-oxybis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(oxy))diethanol 4-1 (5 g, 25.7 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) was addedimidazole (2.1 g, 30.9 mmol) and tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride(TBDMSCl; 3.48 g, 23.1 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred to RT for 6 hr. Thereaction mixture was diluted with DCM (100 mL) and washed with water(2×100 mL) and brine (50 mL). The organic layer was concentrated underreduced pressure and the crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc/pet. ether gave 4-2 (1.8g, 5.8 mmol, 22% yield) as an off-white solid.

2,2,3,3-Tetramethyl-4,7,10,13-tetraoxa-3-silapentadecan-15-ylmethanesulfonate (4-3)

To a stirred solution of 4-2 (0.2 g, 0.65 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was addedmethane sulfonylchloride (0.1 mL, 0.78 mmol) and triethylamine (0.13 mL,0.9741 mmol) at 0° C., and stirred at RT for 4 hr. The reaction mixturewas diluted with water (20 mL), extracted with DCM (3×20 mL), thecombined organic layers were washed with brine (2×10 mL) and dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc/pet. ether to afford 4-3(0.1 g, 0.26 mmol, 40% yield) as a yellow liquid.

5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methyl-6-(N-(2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-4,7,10,13-tetraoxa-3-silapentadecan-15-yl)-methylsulfonamido)benzofuran-3-carboxamide(4-4)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (0.05 g, 0.12 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) wasadded K₂CO₃ (0.052 g, 0.7 mmol) followed by 4-3 (0.072 g, 0.18 mmol),catalytic amount of TBAI at 80° C. for 16 hr. The reaction mixture wascooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (15 mL) washed with water (2×10 mL),brine (15 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residuewas purified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 2%MeOH-DCM to afford 4-4 (0.02 g, 0.03 mmol, 23% yield) as an off-whitesolid. MS (ESI): m/z 710.2 (M+18)⁺.

5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-(N-(2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)methylsulfonamido)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide (4-5)

To a stirred solution of 4-4 (0.1 g, 0.14 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was addedtetrabutylammonium fluoride (0.2 mL, 0.16 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred atRT for 4 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched with the satd. aq.ammonium chloride solution. The quenched solution was extracted withEtOAc (3×10 mL). The combined organic layer washed with brine (20 mL),dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 5% MeOH-DCM to afford4-5 (0.05 g, 0.08 mmol, 60% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z601.1 (M+23)⁺.

15-Azido-2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-4,7,10,13-tetraoxa-3-silapentadecane (4-6)

To a stirred solution of 4-3 (1.5 g, 3.88 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was addedsodium azide (303 mg, 4.6 mmol) at RT and stirred at 60° C. for 20 hr.After consumption of starting material (by TLC), reaction was dilutedwith water (90 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×40 mL). The combinedorganic layer was washed with brine (80 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc in hexanes to afford 4-6(750 mg, 2.25 mmol, 58% yield) as a yellowish liquid.

2-(2-(2-(2-Azidoethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethanol (4-7)

To a stirred solution of 4-6 (750 mg, 2.25 mmol) in THF (20 mL) wasadded tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF; 2.7 mL, 2.7 mmol) at 0° C.,and warmed the reaction mixture to RT and stirring continued for 2 hr.The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc(2×30 mL) washed with water (30 mL), brine (30 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 40% EtOAc in pet. ether to afford4-7 (400 mg, 1.82 mmol, 81% yield) as a yellow liquid.

2-(2-(2-(2-Azidoethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl methanesulfonate (4-8)

To a stirred solution of 4-7 (400 mg, 1.82 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) wasadded methane sulfonylchloride (0.17 mL, 2.19 mmol) and triethylamine(0.6 mL, 4.38 mmol) at 0° C., and stirred at RT for 4 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water (10 mL), extracted with DCM (3×15 mL).The combined organic layers were washed with brine (2×10 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc/pet. ether to afford 4-8(390 g, 1.31 mmol, 72% yield) as a yellow liquid.

6-(N-(2-(2-(2-(2-Azidoethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide(4-9)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (439 mg, 1.09 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (451 g, 3.27 mmol) followed by 4-8 (390 mg,1.31 mmol), and catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium iodide at 80° C.for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc(30 mL), washed with water (2×15 mL), brine (25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc in hexane to afford 4-9(320 g, 0.53 mmol, 48% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 648.3(M+45)⁺.

6-(N-(2-(2-(2-(2-Aminoethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide(4-10)

To a stirred solution of 4-9 (320 g, 0.530 mmol) in THF:H₂O (1:1, 10mL). was added trimethyl phospine at 0° C., and the reaction mixture waswarmed to 50° C. and stirred for 16 hr. After completion of the reaction(by TLC), the mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc (3×10mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (2×10 mL), driedover Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by flashcolumn chromatography using neutral silica (100-200 silica) 5% MeOH-DCMto afford 4-10 (0.15 g, 0.26 mmol, 49% yield), as a brownish gummysolid. MS (ESI): m/z 578 (M+1)⁺.

Example 5 2-(2,5,8,11-Tetraoxatridecan-13-yloxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran(5-1A)

To a stirred suspension of NaH in THF was added a solution of 2-4C (500mg, 1.8 mmol) in THF (5 mL) at 0° C. and the mixture was stirred at RTfor 30 min. The mixture was cooled to 0° C., Mel was added, and themixture allowed to stir at RT for 2 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. Thereaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water, extracted with EtOAc(3×80 mL). The organic layer washed with water (50 mL), brine (50 mL),dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanesto afford 5-1A (280 mg, 0.95 mmol, 52% yield) as a yellow liquid.

Substituting butyl iodide for methyl iodide in Step-A, 2-4B (1 g, 4.27mmol) was used to prepare 5-1B (718 mg, 58% yield).

2,5,8,11-Tetraoxatridecan-13-ol (5-2A)

To a solution of2-(2,5,8,11-tetraoxatridecan-13-yloxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran 5-1A (280 mg,0.96 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added PPTS (24 mg, 0.096 mmol) and stirredat 0° C. to RT for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated underreduced pressure to get crude compound. Obtained crude was purifiedusing silica gel column chromatography 5% MeOH in DCM to afford 5-2A(180 mg, 0.87 mmol, 90% yield) as a pale yellow liquid.

Adapting the above procedure, 5-1B (710 mg, 2.44 mmol) was used toprepare 5-2B (406 mg, 78%).

2,5,8,11-Tetraoxatridecan-13-yl methanesulfonate (5-3A)

To a stirred solution of 5-2A (180 mg, 0.87 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) wasadded triethylamine (0.18 mL, 1.3 mmol) and methane sulfonyl chloride(0.1 mL, 1.13 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with excess DCM (40 mL) and washed with water (2×10mL), brine (10 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, organic phase concentratedunder reduced pressure to get crude compound. This was purified using100-200 silica gel column chromatography using 2% MeOH in DCM to afford5-3A (200 mg, 0.699 mmol, 80% yield) as a yellow liquid.

Adapting the above procedure, 5-2B (406 mg, 1.91 mmol) was used toprepare 5-3B (440 mg, 78%).

6-(N-(2,5,8,11-Tetraoxatridecan-13-yl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide(5-4A)

To a solution of 1-12 (110 mg, 0.29 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (120 mg, 0.9 mmol) followed by 5-3A (102 mg, 0.35mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI, then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (30 mL) washed withwater (20 mL), brine (15 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, organic phase wasconcentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. Obtainedcrude was purified using 230-400 silica gel column chromatography using15% acetone in DCM to afford 5-4A (67 mg, 0.11 mmol, 45% yield) as awhite solid. MS (ESI): m/z 592.8 (M+1)⁺.

6-({2-[2-(2-Butoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (5-4B)

Adapting the above procedure, 5-3B (150 mg, 0.52 mmol) was used toprepare 5-4B (13 mg, 4.2%). MS=590.85 [M+1]⁺.

Example 6 Methyl 2-(bromomethyl)-benzoate (6-2A)

To a stirred solution of methyl 2-methylbenzoate 6-1A (5 g, 33.3 mmol)in ACN (200 mL) was added NBS (5.3 g, 30 mmol) and AIBN (547 mg, 3.33mmol) at RT. The reaction mixture was warmed to 90° C. for 6 hr undernitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture solvent was evaporated underreduced pressure and the crude residue washed with toluene (500 mL) andfiltered the precipitate (NBS). Filtrate evaporated under reducedpressure and the crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 2% EtOAc/pet. ether to afford 6-2A(5 g, 22.1 mmol, 65.7% yield) as a yellow thick liquid.

Adapting the above procedure, methyl 4-methylbenzoate 6-1B (5 g, 33.3mmol) was used to prepare 6-2B (4.5 g, 60%). MS (ESI): m/z 231.0 (M+1)⁺.

Methyl-2-((2-2(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)benzoate(6-3A)

To a solution of NaH (116 mg, 2.6 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added 2-4A(552 mg, 2.9 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reactionmixture was again cooled to 0° C., 6-2A (600 mg, 2.6 mmol) was added andstirred for RT for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched with icecold water and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed with water (50 mL),brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, organic phase was concentratedunder reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified using silica gelchromatography (15% EtOAc in hexane) to afford 6-3A (350 mg, 1.03 mmol,40.4% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 339 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

6-2B (7.28 g, 31.8 mmol) was used to prepare 6-3B (4 g, 41%). MS (ESI):m/z 255.0 (M−THP+1)⁺.

Methyl 3-methylbenzoate 6-2C (1.2 g, 5.113 mmol; TCI) was used toprepare 6-3C (0.3 g, 25%). MS (ESI): m/z 369.0 (M+1)⁺.

The above procedure was adapted, replacing 2-4A with 2-4B, to preparethe following compounds:

6-2A (1 g, 4.04 mmol) was used to prepare 6-3D (450 mg, 21%). MS (ESI):m/z 383.0 (M+1)⁺.

6-2B (820 mg, 3.5 mmol) was used to prepare 6-3E (450 mg, 41%). MS(ESI): m/z 299 [M−THP+1]⁺.

6-2C (0.753 g, 3.29 mmol) was used to prepare 6-3F (550 mg, 50%). MS(ESI): m/z 299 [M−THP+1]⁺.

Methyl 2-((2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)benzoate (6-4A)

To a solution of 6-3A (310 mg, 0.916 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added PPTS(46 mg, 0.18 mmol) and stirred at 0° C. to RT for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was distilled off and diluted with excess EtOAc (100 mL), washedwith water (100 mL), brine (50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and theorganic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudecompound was purified using combi-flash column chromatography (30% EtOAcin hexane) to afford 6-4A (150 mg, 0.59 mmol, 65% yield). MS (ESI): m/z315 (M+1)⁺.

Adapting the Above Procedure, the Following Compounds were Made:

6-3B (4 g, 12.12 mmol) was used to prepare 6-4B (2.7 g, 90%). MS (ESI):m/z 240 (M−CH₃+1)⁺.

6-3C (0.3g, 0.88 mmol) was used to prepare 6-4C (300 mg, 100%). MS(ESI): m/z 255 (M+1)⁺.

6-3D (260 mg, 0.65 mmol) was used to prepare 6-4D (140 mg, 70%). MS(ESI): m/z 299.0 (M+1)⁺.

6-3E (450 mg, 1.178 mmol) was used to prepare 6-4E (210 mg, 60%). MS(ESI): m/z 299.3 (M+1)⁺.

6-3F (550 mg, 1.43 mmol) was used to prepare 6-4F (280 mg, 65%). MS(ESI): m/z 299.3 (M+1)⁺.

2-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic acid methylester (6-5A)

Methane sulfonylchloride (0.05 mL, 0.7 mmol) at 0° C. was added to asolution of 6-4A (150 mg, 0.5 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) and triethylamine(0.13 mL, 0.7 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (50 mL) and washed with water (50 mL), brine (20mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, organic phase concentrated under reducedpressure to get 6-5A (170 mg, 0.51 mmol, 87% yield) as a yellow colorliquid.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

6-4B (2.7 g, 8.49 mmol) was used to prepare 6-5B (2.7 g, 77%). MS (ESI):m/z 333.5 (M+1)⁺.

6-4C (0.3g, 1.181 mmol) was used to prepare 6-5C (280 mg, 46%). MS(ESI): m/z 350.1 (M+18)⁺.

6-4D (300 mg, 1 mmol) was used to prepare 6-5D (370 mg, 97%). MS (ESI):m/z 377.0 (M+1)⁺.

6-4E (200 mg, 0.671 mmol) was used to prepare 6-5E (220 mg, 87%). MS(ESI): m/z 377.3 (M+1)⁺.

6-4F (280 mg, 0.939 mmol) was used to prepare 6-5F (340 mg, 95%). MS(ESI): m/z 377.3 (M+1)⁺.

2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid methyl ester (6-6A)

To a solution of 1-12 (141 mg, 0.350 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (144 mg, 1.04 mmol) followed by 6-5A (140 mg, 0.4mmol), and catalytic amount of TBAI then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr.The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL)washed with water (50 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified using combi flash column chromatography (20% EtOAc in hexane)to afford 6-6A (120 mg, 0.188 mmol, 46.9% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 639.4(M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid methyl ester (6-6B)

6-5B (2.7 g, 8.13 mmol) was used to prepare 6-6B (2.5 g, 48%). MS (ESI):m/z 638.8 (M+1)⁺.

3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid methyl ester (6-6C)

6-5C (0.15g, 0.45 mmol) was used to prepare 6-6C (0.08 g, 39.4%). MS(ESI): m/z 639.0 (M+1)⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoicacid methyl ester (6-6D)

6-5D (170 mg, 0.45 mmol) was used to prepare 6-6D (115 mg, 51.8%). MS(ESI): m/z 683.6 (M+1)⁺.

4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoicacid methyl ester (6-6E)

6-5E (210 mg, 0.55 mmol) was used to prepare 6-6E (180 mg, 53%). MS(ESI): m/z 683.5 (M+1)⁺.

3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoicacid methyl ester (6-6F)

6-5F ((340 mg, 0.90 mmol) was used to prepare 6-6F (240 mg, 47%). MS(ESI): m/z 682.7 (M+1)⁺.

2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid (6-7A)

To a solution of 6-6A (50 mg, 0.07 mmol) in THF, MeOH and water (4:1:1)was added LiOH (11 mg, 0.47 mmol) and stirred at RT for 16 hr. Aftercompletion of the reaction as indicated by TLC, the reaction mixture wasneutralized with 1N HCl and then extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). Thecombined organic layer was washed with brine (25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄,and concentrated. The crude compound was purified by pentane washings toobtain 6-7A (25.5 mg, 0.04 mmol, 51.8% yield) as an off-white solid. MS(ESI): m/z 623.3 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid (6-7B)

6-6B (2.4 g, 3.761 mmol) was used to prepare 6-7B (1.2 g, 52%). MS(ESI): m/z 625.5 (M+1)⁺.

3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid (6-7C)

6-6C (0.05 g, 0.073 mmol) was used to prepare 6-7C (0.03 g, 66%). MS(ESI): m/z 625.0. (M+1)⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoicacid (6-7D)

6-6D (80 mg, 0.11 mmol) was used to prepare 6-7D (35 mg, 44%). MS (ESI):m/z 669.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoicacid (6-7E)

6-6E (100 mg, 0.14 mmol) was used to prepare 6-7E (45 mg, 46%). MS(ESI): m/z 667.0 (M-1)⁺.

3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxymethyl}-benzoicacid (6-7F)

6-6F (100 mg, 0.14 mmol) was used to prepare 6-7F (50 mg, 51%). MS(ESI): m/z 691.5 (M+23)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid ethyl ester (6-8B1)

To a solution of 6-7B (50 mg, 0.08 mmol) in DMF (5 mL), was addedpotassium carbonate (13 mg, 0.09 mmol) followed by ethyl bromide(1-bromo ethane; 0.9 mL, 0.08 mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI thenstirred at RT for 16 hr. The reaction was diluted with EtOAc (50 mL)washed with water (50 mL), brine (10 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and theorganic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudecompound was purified by giving pentane washings to afford 6-8B1 (10.21mg, 0.15 mmol, 20% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 653.2 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid propyl ester (6-8B2)

1-Bromo propane (13 mg, 0.09 mmol) was used to prepare 6-8B2 (32 mg,66%). MS (ESI): m/z 695.6 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid butyl ester (6-8B3)

1-Bromo butane (6 mg, 0.04 mmol) was used to prepare 6-8B3 (15 mg, 55%).MS (ESI): m/z 681.6 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid pentyl ester (6-8B4)

1-Bromo pentane (18.1 g, 0.12 mmol) was used to prepare 6-8B4 (22 mg,40%). MS (ESI): m/z 716.7 (M+23)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid carbamoylmethyl ester (6-8B5)

2-Chloro acetamide (50 mg, 0.08 mmol) was used to prepare 6-8B5 (3.7 mg,6.2%). MS (ESI): m/z 682.0 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid methylsulfanylmethyl ester (6-8B6)

Chloro-methylsulfanyl-methane (50 mg, 0.08 mmol) was used to prepare6-8B6 (40 mg, 72%). MS (ESI): m/z 685.0 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid benzyl ester (6-8B7)

Bromo benzene (50 mg, 0.08 mmol) was used to prepare 6-8B7 (30 mg, 52%).MS (ESI): m/z 715.0 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid ethoxycarbonylmethyl ester (6-8B8)

Ethyl 2-bromoacetate (11.7 mg, 0.071 mmol) was used to prepare 6-8B8 (32mg, 71%). MS (ESI): m/z 711.6 (M+1)⁺.

Example 7 2-(tert-Butoxycarbonylamino) ethyl methanesulfonate (7-2)

Methane sulfonylchloride (2.4 mL, 31.25 mmol) was added to a solutiontert-butyl 2-hydroxy ethylcarbamate 7-1 (5 g, 31.25 mmol) in DCM (40 mL)and triethylamine (6.5 mL, 46.87 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 4hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (100 mL) extracted withDCM (3×150 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (100mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purifiedby flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 10% EtOAc inhexanes to afford 7-2 (3.5 g, 14.64 mmol, 47% yield) as gummy liquid.

tert-Butyl 2-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl) methylsulfonamido)-ethylcarbamate (7-3)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (0.06 g, 0.15 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (0.062 g, 0.44 mmol) followed by 7-2 (0.053 g,0.22 mmol), and a catalytic amount of TBAI at 80° C. for 10 hr. Thereaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (25 mL) washedwith water (2×15 mL), brine (15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanes to afford 7-3 (0.02 g, 2.09 mmol, 24%yield) as an off-white solid.

6-(N-(2-Aminoethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide (7-4)

To a stirred solution of 7-3 (0.1 g, 0.18 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was addedTFA (0.06 mL) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The solvents wereevaporated under reduced pressure and the crude residue was purified bywashings with pentane to afford 7-4 (0.04 g, 0.09 mmol, 50% yield) as agummy liquid.

tert-Butyl2-(2-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)methylsulfonamido)-ethylamino)-2-oxoethylcarbamate (7-5)

To a stirred solution of 7-4 (15 mg, 0.03 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDCI; 0.08 g, 0.042mmol), hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBT; 0.06 g, 0.04 mmol), and triethylamine(0.01 mL, 0.01 mmol), followed by the addition of2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetic acid (0.05 g, 0.04 mmol) at 0° C. andcontinued stirring at RT for 10 hr. The reaction mixture was dilutedwith ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×10 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with water (2×25 mL), brine (30 mL),dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified byprep-TLC to afford 7-5 (0.01 g, 0.01 mmol, 50% yield) as a yellow thickliquid. MS (ESI): m/z 503.3 (M-Boc)⁺.

6-(N-(2-(2-Aminoacetamido)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide(7-6)

To a stirred solution of 7-5 (0.05 g, 0.07 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was addedTFA (0.3 mL) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 1 hr.The solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure and the cruderesidue was purified by washings with pentane to afford 7-6 (0.01 g,0.02 mmol, 25% yield) as gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z: 503.2 (M+1)⁺.

4-{[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-carbamoyl}-butyricacid (7-7)

To a stirred solution of 7-6 (0.02 g, 0.04 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was addedtriethylamine (0.02 g, 0.19 mmol) followed by dihydro-pyran-2,6-dione(0.01 g, 0.09 mmol), and catalytic amount of TBAI at RT for 16 hr. Thereaction mixture was diluted with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc(3×20 mL) washed with water (2×50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄and concentrated. The residue was purified by prep-TLC to afford 7-7 (5mg, 0.008 mmol, 21% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 617.2(M+1)⁺.

4-(3-{[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-carbamoyl}-phenyl)-butyricacid ethyl ester (7-9)

To a stirred solution of 7-6 (50 mg, 0.09 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was addedHATU (75 mg, 0.19 mmol), DIPEA (0.05 mL, 0.29 mmol) and 7-8 at 0° C. andthe reaction was continued for 12 hr at RT. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (50 mL), extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated to afford 7-9 (60 mg, crude) as a brown thick mass. MS(ESI): m/z 721.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-(3-{[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-carbamoyl}-phenyl)-butyricacid (7-10)

To a stirred solution of 7-9 (40 mg, 0.05 mmol) in THF and water (3 mL;1:1) was added LiOH (5 mg, 0.16 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 5 hr. After completion of the reaction, solventswere evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue extracted with ether(20 mL). The aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (5 mL) followedby extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Thecrude residue was purified by preparative HPLC to afford 7-10 (3.5 mg,7.3%) as light thick mass.

Example 8 2-Bromoethyl 2-aminoacetate (8-2)

To a stirred solution of 2-aminoacetic acid 8-1 (1 g, 13.33 mmol) in DCM(25 mL) was added thionyl chloride (1.47 mL, 19.99 mmol) and2-bromoethanol (1.65 g, 13.33 mmol) at 0° C., and stirred at RT for 10hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (50 mL) and extractedwith DCM (3×75 mL). The combined organic layers were concentrated anddried at reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by washingswith pentane/ether to afford 8-2 (0.5 g, 2.77 mmol, 20% yield) as anoff-white solid.

2-Bromoethyl 2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetate (8-3)

To a stirred solution of 8-2 (0.5 g, 2.77 mmol) in dioxane (5 mL) andwater (5 mL) was added Boc anhydride (0.69 mL, 3.02 mmol) and sodiumbicarbonate (0.23 g, 2.77 mmol) at 0° C., and stirring continued at RTfor 16 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched with water (20 mL) andextracted with EtOAc (3×25 mL). The combined organic layers were washedwith water (2×20 mL), brine (30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The crude residue was purified by washings with pentane and ether toafford 8-3 (0.3 g, 1.06 mmol, 52% yield) as a yellow thick liquid.

2-(N-(5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)-methylsulfonamido)-ethyl2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)acetate (8-3)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (0.25 g, 0.62 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (0.25 g, 1.86 mmol) followed by 8-3 (0.23 g,0.82 mmol) and catalytic amount of TBAI at 80° C. for 10 hr. Thereaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (40 mL) washedwith water (2×25 mL), brine (30 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanes to afford 8-4(0.26 g, 0.43 mmol, 50% yield) as a brown solid.

2-(N-(5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)-methylsulfonamido)-ethyl2-aminoacetate (8-5)

To a stirred solution of 8-4 (0.05 g, 0.08 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was addedtrifluoroacetic acid (1 mL) at 0° C., and stirred at RT for 1 hr. Thesolvents were evaporated under reduced pressure and the crude residuewas purified by washings with pentane and ether to afford 8-5 (0.02 g,0.05 mmol, 47% yield) as a gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 503.8 (M+1)⁺.

4-[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-carbamoyl]-butyricacid (8-6)

To a stirred solution of 8-5 (0.025 g, 0.05 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) wasadded triethylamine (0.03 mL, 0.25 mmol) followed bydihydro-pyran-2,6-dione (0.014 g, 0.12 mmol) and catalytic amount ofTBAI at RT for 10 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (15mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL), washed with water (2×50 mL),brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue waspurified by prep-TLC to afford 8-6 (5 mg, 0.008 mmol, 16% yield) as anoff-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 615.8 (M−1)−.

Example 9 1-(3-(Azidomethyl) phenyl) ethanone (9-2)

To a stirred solution of 1-(3-(bromomethyl) phenyl) ethanone 9-1 (3 g,14.08 mmol) in ACN (42 mL) was added sodium azide (1.38 g, 21.32 mmol)at 0° C. The reaction mixture was warmed to reflux for 10 hr undernitrogen atmosphere. The solvents were evaporated under reduced pressureand the crude residue was diluted with water (50 mL) and extracted withEtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine(2×30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue waspurified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 10%EtOAc/pet. ether to afford 9-2 (2.23 g, 13.09 mmol, 93% yield) as acolorless liquid.

1-(3-(Aminomethyl)-phenyl)-ethanone (9-3)

To a stirred solution of 9-2 (2 g, 11.42 mmol) in THF:H₂O (20 mL) wasadded trimethyl phosphine (57 mL, 57.15 mmol) at 0° C., and the reactionmixture was stirred at RT for 10 hr. The reaction mixture was dilutedwith water (60 mL), extracted with EtOAc (3×60 mL). The combined organiclayers were washed with brine (2×30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by washings with ether andpentane to afford 9-3 (1.36 g, 9.14 mmol, 77% yield) as a yellow thickliquid.

tert-Butyl 3-acetylbenzylcarbamate (9-4)

To a stirred solution of 9-3 (0.3 g, 2.013 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) wasadded Boc anhydride (0.5 mL, 2.19 mmol) and triethylamine (0.7 mL, 5.03mmol) at 0° C., and the stirring was continued at RT for 20 hr. Thereaction mixture was quenched with water (30 mL) and extracted with DCM(3×50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×40 mL),brine (30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue waspurified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 12%EtOAc/hexanes to afford 9-4 (0.26 g, 1.06 mmol, 53% yield) as a thickyellow liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 267.1 (M+18)⁺.

1(Z)-Ethyl4-(3-((tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-methyl)-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxobut-2-enoate(9-5)

To a stirred solution of 9-4 (0.6 g, 2.41 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was addedKHMDS at −78° C., and stirred the reaction mixture at −78° C. for 1 hr.Then, diethyl oxalate (0.49 mL, 3.61 mmol) was added to the reactionmixture at −78° C. and warm the reaction mixture to −60° C. for 30 min.The reaction mixture was quenched with ammonium chloride solution,extracted into EtOAc (3×40 mL). The combined organic layers were washedwith brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The cruderesidue was purified by flash column chromatography using neutral silica(100-200 silica) 15% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 9-5 (0.55 g, 1.57 mmol, 65%yield) as a brownish gummy solid. MS (ESI): m/z 348.1 (M−1)⁻.

4-(3-Aminomethyl-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoic acid ethyl ester(9-6)

To a stirred solution of 9-5 (0.55 g, 1.57 mmol) in dioxane (20 mL) wasadded dioxane.HCl (10 mL) at 0° C., and stirring continued at RT for 6hr. The solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure and the cruderesidue was purified by washings with pentane to afford 9-6 (0.3 g, 1.05mmol, 66% yield) as a brown solid. MS (ESI): m/z 250.3 (M+1).

Ethyl2-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)-methylsulfonamido)acetate(9-7)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (1 g, 2.48 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (1.03 g, 7.46 mmol) followed by ethyl bromoacetate(500 mg, 2.99 mmol), catalytic amount of tetrabutyl ammonium iodide at80° C. for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted withEtOAc (75 mL) washed with water (2×50 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH-DCM to afford 9-7 (980 mg,2 mmol, 80% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 489.1 [M+H]⁺.

2-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)-methylsulfonamide)acetic acid (9-8)

To a stirred solution of 9-7 (980 mg, 2 mmol) in THF and water (10 mL;4:1) was added LiOH (289 mg, 12 mmol) at 0° C., and the reaction wascontinued at RT for 6 hr. After completion of the reaction (by TLC),solvents evaporated at rotary evaporator, residue extracted with ether(15 mL). Then aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (10 mL) followedby extracted with EtOAc (3×25 mL). The combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Theresidue was purified by washed with pentane to afford 9-8 (900 mg, 1.96mmol, 97% yield) as a brown solid. MS (ESI): m/z 459.0 [M−H]⁺.

Methyl 2-aminoacetate (9-10A)

To a stirred solution of 2-aminoacetic acid 8-1 (2 g, 26.64 mmol) inMeOH (20 mL) was added thionyl chloride (5.8 mL, 79.92 mmol) at 0° C.,and stirred at RT for 16 hr. The solvents were evaporated under reducedpressure and the crude residue was purified by washings withpentane/ether to afford 9-10A (2.7 g, 21.6 mmol, 81% yield) as a brownsolid.

The Above Procedure (Step-H) was Adapted to Prepare the FollowingCompounds:

Methylamino-acetic acid (1 g, 11.2 mmol) was used to prepare 9-10B (3 g,quantitative).

2-Amino-2-methyl-propionic acid (2 g, 29.12 mmol) was used to prepare9-10C (4 g, quantitative).

1-Amino-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (1 g, 9.89 mmol) was used to prepare9-10D (1.4 g, 94%).

1-Amino-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (1 g, 7.75 mmol) was used to prepare9-10E (1.4 g, 94%).

Methyl 2-(2-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl) methylsulfonamido)acetamido)acetate (9-11A)

To a stirred solution of 9-8 (0.2 g, 0.43 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was addedEDCI (0.17 g, 0.91 mmol), HOBT (0.06 g, 0.48 mmol), DIPEA (0.37 mL 2.17mmol), followed by addition of 9-10A (0.08 g, 0.65 mmol) at 0° C. Thereaction was stirred at RT for 10 hr. The reaction mixture was dilutedwith ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with water (2×25 mL), brine (30 mL),dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc/hexanes toafford 9-11A (0.17 g, 0.32 mmol, 74% yield) as a yellow thick liquid. MS(ESI): m/z 532.1 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure (Step-I) was Adapted to Prepare the FollowingCompounds:

9-10B (63 mg, 0.54 mmol) was used to prepare 9-11B (250 mg, 83%).

9-10C (0.2 g, 0.43 mmol) was used to prepare 9-11C (0.14 g, 80%). MS(ESI): m/z 560.1 (M+1)⁺.

9-10D (150 mg, 0.33 mmol) was used to prepare 9-11D (160 mg, 88%). MS(ESI): m/z 602.1 [M-1]+.

9-10E (150 mg, 0.33 mmol) was used to prepare 9-11E (162 mg, 88%).

2-Amino-propionic acid methyl ester hydrochloride 9-10F (200 mg, 0.43mmol; Sigma Aldrich) was used to prepare 9-11F (230 mg, 98%).

2-(2-(N-(5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)methyl sulfonamido)acetamido) acetic acid (9-12A)

To a stirred solution of 9-11A (0.24 g, 0.45 mmol) in THF and water (10mL; 4:1) was added LiOH (0.04 g, 1.80 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 2 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents evaporated at rotary evaporator, residue extracted with ether(50 mL). Then aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (10 mL) followedby extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Thecrude residue was purified by washed with pentane to afford 9-12A (0.107g, 0.20 mmol, 65% yield) as a gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 516.0 (M−1)⁻.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

9-11B (95 mg, 0.16 mmol) was used to prepare 9-12B (60 mg, 66%). MS(ESI): m/z 530.0 (M−1)⁻.

9-11C (0.17 g, 0.32 mmol) was used to prepare 9-12C (0.12 g, 88%). MS(ESI): m/z 544.1 (M−1)⁻.

9-11D (150 mg, 0.2 mmol) was used to prepare 9-12D (110 mg, 78%). MS(ESI): m/z 542.0 [M−1]⁻.

9-11E (160 mg, 0.27 mmol) was used to prepare 9-12E (113 mg, 72%).

9-11F (190 mg, 0.39 mmol) was used to prepare 9-12F (134 mg, 73%). MS(ESI): m/z 529.9 [M−1]⁻.

4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (9-13A)

To a stirred solution of 9-6 (0.15 g, 0.43 mmol) in DMF (8 mL) was addedEDCI (0.16 g, 0.61 mmol), HOBT (0.043 g, 0.32 mmol) and DIPEA (0.25 mL,1.45 mmol), followed by addition of 9-12A (0.12 g, 0.43 mmol) at 0° C.,and reaction was continued at RT for 12 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL).The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×25 mL), brine (30mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purifiedby flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 60% EtOAc/hexanesto afford 9-13A (0.23 g, crude) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z749.6 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

4-[3-({2-[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetyl)-methyl-amino]-acetylamino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (9-13B)

9-12B (130 mg, 0.24 mmol) was used to prepare 9-13B (150 mg, crude). MS(ESI): m/z 761.0 (M−1)⁻.

4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-2-methyl-propionylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (9-13C)

9-12C (0.13 g, 0.238 mmol) was used to prepare 9-13C (0.12 g crude). MS(ESI): m/z 775.2 (M+1)⁺.

4-[3-({[1-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-cyclopropanecarbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (9-13D)

9-12D (90 mg, 0.16 mmol) was used to prepare 9-13D (152 mg, 83%). MS(ESI): m/z 775.4 [M+1]⁺.

4-[3-({[1-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-cyclopentanecarbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (9-13E)

9-12E (80 mg, 0.14 mmol) was used to prepare 9-13E (150 mg, 84%). MS(ESI): m/z 801.3 [M−1]⁻.

4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-propionylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (9-13F)

9-12F (120 mg, 0.23 mmol) was used to prepare 9-13F (164 mg, 94%). MS(ESI): m/z 761.3 [M−1]⁻.

4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (9-14A)

To a stirred solution of 9-13A (0.1 g, 0.13 mmol) in THF and water (10mL; 4:1) was added LiOH (0.01 g, 0.53 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 2 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents evaporated at rotary evaporator, residue extracted with ether(15 mL). Then aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (10 mL) followedby extracted with EtOAc (3×25 mL). The combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Thecrude residue was purified by washed with pentane and prep-HPLC toafford 9-14A (0.017 g, 0.02 mmol, 17% yield) as a brown solid. MS (ESI):m/z 718.8 (M−1)⁻.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

4-[3-({2-[(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetyl)-methyl-amino]-acetylamino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (9-14B)

9-13B (150 mg, 0.19 mmol) was used to prepare 9-14B (5 mg, 2.8%). MS(ESI): m/z 732.9 (M−1)⁻.

4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-2-methyl-propionylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (9-14C)

9-13C (0.13 g, 0.16 mmol) was used to prepare 9-14C (0.035 g, 36%). MS(ESI): m/z 749.2 (M+1)⁺.

4-[3-({[1-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-cyclopropanecarbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (9-14D)

9-13D (150 mg, 0.19 mmol) was used to prepare 9-14D (35 mg, 20%). MS(ESI): m/z 745.9 [M−1]⁻.

4-[3-({[1-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-cyclopentanecarbonyl]-amino}-methyl)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (9-14E)

9-13E (150 mg, 0.19 mmol) was used to prepare 9-14E (30 mg, 22%). MS(ESI): m/z 774.8 [M+1]⁺.

4-(3-{[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-propionylamino]-methyl}-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid (9-14F)

9-13F (80 mg, 0.1 mmol) was used to prepare 9-14F (3 mg, 3.8%). MS(ESI): m/z 732.8 [M−1]⁻.

Example 10 Methyl 5-aminopentanoate hydrochloride (10-2A)

To a stirred solution of piperidin-2-one 10-1A (500 mg, 5.05 mmol) inMeOH (10 mL) was passed HCl gas. The reaction mixture was stirred at RTfor 4 hr under N₂ atmosphere. Then reaction mixture warmed to 55° C. andstirring continued for 16 hr. Reaction solvents were evaporated underreduced pressure and the crude residue was washed with diethyl ether toafford 10-2A (608 mg, 129.57 mmol, 72% yield) as an off-white solid.

Step-A above was adapted using 3-methyl-piperidin-2-one 10-1B (250 mg,2.2 mmol) to prepare 10-2B (300 mg, 80%).

5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-pentanoicacid methyl ester (10-3A)

To a solution of 9-12A (125 mg, 0.24 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was added HOBT(48 mg, 0.36 mmol), DIPEA (0.15 mL, 0.84 mmol) and EDC.HCl (100 mg, 0.53mmol) at 0° C. After 15 min, 10-2A (51 mg, 0.26 mmol) was added at 0° C.and the reaction was continued to stir at RT for 16 hr. After completionof the reaction as indicated by TLC, the mixture was poured in to icecold water (10 mL), extracted with EtOAc (25 mL). The organic layer waswashed with water (20 mL), brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography(100-200) silica to afford 10-3A (110 mg, 72% yield) as an off-whitesolid. MS (ESI): m/z 632.0 [M+1]⁺.

5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-2-methyl-pentanoicacid methyl ester (10-3B)

Step-B above was adapted using 10-2B (27 mg, 0.17 mmol) to prepare 10-3B(70 mg, 95.4%). MS (ESI): m/z 644.9 [M+1]+.

5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-pentanoicacid (10-4A)

To a stirred solution of 10-3A (100 mg, 1.59 mmol) in THF (4 mL) andwater (1 mL) was added LiOH (229 mg, 9.54 mmol) at 0° C. and reactionwas continued at RT for 16 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents were concentrated under reduced pressure, residue extractedwith ether (10 mL). Aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (1 mL)followed by extracted with EtOAc (3×10 mL). The combined organic layerswere washed with brine (2×10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The crude residue was purified by washings with pentane to afford 10-4A(22 mg, 0.035 mmol 22.6% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z616.8 [M+1]⁺.

5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-acetylamino)-acetylamino]-2-methyl-pentanoicacid (10-4B)

Step-C above was adapted using 10-3B (60 mg, 0.09 mmol) to prepare 10-4B(45 mg, 78% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 629.5 [M+1]⁺.

Example 11 (E)-Methyl 2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)vinyl)benzoate(11-2A)

To a stirred solution of 2-(2-vinyloxy)ethoxy)ethanol (2.03 g, 15.33mmol; Sigma-Aldrich) in DMF, silver acetate was added at RT. After 5min, 11-1A (800 mg, 3.06 mmol) and triphenyl phosphine (80 mg, 0.30mmol) were added to the reaction mixture, which was then degassed withN₂ for 15 min. Palladium acetate (38.62 mg, 0.0575) was added and themixture was heated to 70° C. for 16 hr. After completion of thereaction, the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc.The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by column chromatographyto afford 11-3A (0.365 g, 1.37 mmol, 45% yield) as a brown thick liquid.MS (ESI): m/z 267.17 [M+1]⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

3-Iodo-benzoic acid ethyl ester 11-1B (800 mg, 2.89 mmol) was used toprepare 11-2B (700 mg, 86%). MS (ESI): m/z 281.28 [M+1]⁺.

4-Iodo-benzoic acid methyl ester 11-1C (800 mg, 3.06 mmol) was used toprepare 11-2C (350 mg, 43%). MS (ESI): m/z 267.14 [M+1]⁺.

Methyl 2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)benzoate (11-3A)

To a stirred solution of 11-2A (0.36 g, 1.37 mmol) in ethanol was addedPd in carbon (0.036 mg, 10% w/w) at RT for 4 hr under hydrogenatmosphere (balloon). After completion of the reaction, the mixture wasfiltered through celite pad and washed with EtOAc. The combined organiclayer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue waspurified by column chromatography to get 11-3A (0.32 g, 1.19 mmol, 86%yield) as a dark brown thick liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 269.22 [M+1]⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

11-2B (700 mg, 2.5 mmol) was used to prepare 11-3B (563 mg, 80%). MS(ESI): m/z 283.19 [M+1]⁺.

11-2B (200 mg, 0.75 mmol) was used to prepare 11-3B (190 mg, 84%). MS(ESI): m/z 269.18 [M+1]⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoic acid methylester (11-4A)

To a stirred solution of 11-3A (308 mg, 1.15 mmol) in DCM was addedtriethylamine (0.32 mL, 2.3 mmol) at 0° C. After 5 min, mesyl chloride(0.13 mL, 1.73 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture at the sametemperature. The mixture was allowed to stir at RT for 2 hr. Then, themixture was diluted with water, extracted with DCM. The organic layerwas washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to get crudecompound. This was purified by column chromatography to afford 11-4A(338 mg, 0.98 mmol, 85% yield) as a colorless liquid. MS (ESI): m/z347.26 [M+1]⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

11-3B (415 mg, 1.47 mmol) was used to prepare 11-4B (420 mg, 84%).

11-3C (190 mg, 0.71 mmol) was used to prepare 11-4C (230 mg, 93.8%). MS(ESI): m/z 347.1 [M+1]⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoicacid methyl ester (11-5A)

To a stirred solution of [1-12] (160 mg, 0.39 mmol) in DMF potassiumcarbonate (109 mg, 0.76 mmol) was added at RT. After 5 min, 11-4A (165mg, 0.47 mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI were added to the reaction andheated to 70° C. The reaction was maintained at 70-75° C. for 16 hr.After completion of the reaction indicated by TLC, the mixture wasdiluted with ice water, extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer waswashed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crudecompound was purified by column chromatography to get 11-5A (132 mg, 0.2mmol, 50.9% yield) as an off-white semi solid. MS (ESI): m/z 653.41[M+1]⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoicacid ethyl ester (11-5B)

11-4B (253 mg, 0.744 mmol) was used to prepare 11-5B (168 mg, 39%). MS(ESI): m/z 667.34 [M+1]⁺.

4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoicacid methyl ester (11-5C)

11-4C (225 mg, 0.56 mmol) was used to prepare 11-5C (145 mg, 40%). MS(ESI): m/z 653.37 [M+1]+.

2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoicacid (11-6A)

To a stirred solution of 11-5A (100 mg, 0.15 mmol) in THF and water (4mL, 4:1) was added LiOH (21 mg, 0.9 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 16 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents were evaporated at rotary evaporator. The crude residueextracted with ether (2×20 mL). The aqueous layer was neutralized with1N HCl (10 mL), then extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by washings with diethylether and pentane to afford 11-6A (32 mg, 0.05 mmol, 33% yield) as awhite solid. MS (ESI): m/z 639.39 [M+1]⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoicacid (11-6B)

11-5B (60 mg, 0.09 mmol) was used to prepare 11-6B (17 mg, 29%). MS(ESI): m/z 639.3 [M+1]⁺.

4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-benzoicacid (11-6C)

11-5C (100 mg, 0.15 mmol) was used to prepare 11-6C (25 mg, 25%). MS(ESI): m/z 639.3 [M+1]⁺.

Example 12 2-(2-(2-(Allyloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran (12-1)

To a stirred suspension of NaH in THF (80 mL) was added a solution of2-4A (8 g, 42 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at 0° C. and the mixture was stirredat RT for 30 min. Then the mixture was cooled to 0° C., added allylbromide (5.6 g, 44 mmol) and allowed to stir at RT for 16 hr undernitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was quenched with ice coldwater, and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The organic layer washedwith water (80 mL), brine (80 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanes to afford 12-1 (9 g, 39 mmol, 92%yield) as a pale yellow liquid.

(E)-Methyl2-(3-(2-(2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-prop-1-enyl)benzoate(12-2A)

To a stirred solution of methyl 2-iodobenzoate 11-1A (1 g, 3.8 mmol) inDMF (8 mL) was added 12-1 (2.2 g, 11.4 mmol), triphenyl phosphine, andsilver acetate (639 mg, 3.8 mmol) at RT. The reaction mixture degassedfor 15 min with argon, palladium acetate (128 mg, 0.19 mmol) was added,and the mixture heated to 80° C. for 18 hr. The reaction mixture wasfiltered through a celite pad, washed with EtOAc thoroughly. Thefiltrate washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentratedunder reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc/pet. ether to afford12-4A (300 mg, 0.82 mmol, 23% yield) as a yellow liquid. MS (ESI): m/z364.0 (M+1)⁺.

Methyl 2-(3-(2-(2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-propyl)benzoate(12-3A)

To a solution of 12-2A (300 mg, 0.82 mmol) in EtOH (5 mL) was added 10%Pd/C (90 mg) and stirred at RT for 3 hr under H₂ atmosphere. Thereaction mixture was filtered on a Celite bed and washed with 10%MeOH-EtOAc. The filtrate was distilled under reduced pressure to get12-3A (300 mg, 0.81 mmol, quantitative yield).

Methyl 2-(3-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-propyl)benzoate (12-4A)

To a solution of 12-3A (300 mg, 0.81 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added PPTS(41 mg, 0.16 mmol) and stirred at 0° C. to RT for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was distilled off and diluted with excess (100 mL), washed withwater (100 mL), brine (50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified using CombiFlash® (Teledyne Isco) column chromatography (40%EtOAc in hexane) to afford 12-4A (160 mg, 0.56 mmol, 69% yield). MS(ESI): m/z 305.2 (M+23)⁺.

2-{3-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-benzoic acidmethyl ester (12-5A)

Methane sulfonylchloride (0.07 mL, 0.85 mmol) at 0° C. was added to asolution of 12-4A (160 mg, 410.56 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) and triethylamine(0.13 mL, 0.9 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (50 mL) and washed with water (50 mL) and brine(20 mL), and dried over Na₂SO₄. The organic phase was concentrated underreduced pressure to give 12-5A (130 mg, 0.34 mmol, 61% yield) as ayellow liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 375.0 (M+1)⁺.

2-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-benzoicacid methyl ester (12-6A)

To a solution of 1-12 (116 mg, 0.28 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (120 mg, 0.86 mmol) followed by 12-7A (130 mg, 0.34mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL), washed withwater (50 mL), brine (25 mL), and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. Obtained crude waspurified using Combi-flash column chromatography (30% EtOAc in hexane)to afford 12-6A (129 mg, 0.19 mmol, 69% yield) as an off-white solid. MS(ESI): m/z 666.7 (M+1)⁺.

2-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-benzoicacid (12-7A)

To a solution of 12-6A (80 mg, 0.12 mmol) in THF, MeOH and water (4:1:1)was added LiOH (15 mg, 0.6 mmol) and stirred at RT for 16 hr. Aftercompletion as indicated by TLC, the reaction mixture was neutralizedwith 1N HCl and then extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was washedwith brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude compound waspurified by giving pentane washings to afford 12-7A (25 mg, 0.038 mmol,32% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 653.4 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

3-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-benzoicacid (12-7B)

Ethyl 3-iodobenzoate 11-1B was substituted for methyl 2-iodobenzoate11-1A in Step-A, with appropriate modification of subsequent steps, toprepare 12-7B. MS (ESI): m/z 653.4 (M+1)⁺.

4-{3-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-propyl}-benzoicacid (12-7C)

Methyl 4-iodobenzoate 11-1C was substituted for methyl 2-iodobenzoate11-1A in Step-A, with appropriate modification of subsequent steps, toprepare 12-7C. MS (ESI): m/z 653.4 (M+1)⁺.

Example 13 (2-Bromoethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran (13-2)

To a solution of 2-bromo ethanol 13-1 (5 g, 40 mmol) in DCM (250 mL) wasadded p-toluenesulfonic acid (760 mg, 4 mmol) followed by dihydropyran(4.3 mL, 48 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 5 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL) washed with water (100 mL),brine (10 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reducedpressure at 25° C. The crude compound was purified using silica gelchromatography (5% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 13-2 (5 g, 24 mmol, 60%yield) as a pale yellow color liquid.

2-(2-(But-3-enyloxy)-ethoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran (13-3AT)

To a solution of NaH (885 mg, 24 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added 13-2 (5g, 24 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixturewas again cooled to 0° C., homoallyl alcohol (1.9 mL, 22.8 mmol) wasadded and stirred for RT for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was quenchedwith ice cold water and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed with water (50mL), brine (10 mL) dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude compound was purified using silica gelchromatography (5% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 13-3AT (1.5 g, 7.5 mmol,31% yield) as a pale yellow color liquid.

(E)-Methyl 4-(2-(4-hydroxybutoxy)vinyl)benzoate (13-5C)

To a solution of 4-iodo-benzoic acid methyl ester 11-1C (1.2 g, 4.5mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added 4-vinyloxy-butan-1-ol 13-3C (2.65 g, 22.9mmol; TCI), Ag(OAc)₂ (751 mg, 4.5 mmol) and TPP (117 mg, 0.45 mmol)sequentially and degassed for 15 min, followed by addition of Pd(OAc)₂(100 mg, 0.14 mmol) and again degassed for 5 min, and stirred at 70° C.for 16 hr. The reaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (200 mL)washed with water (200 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified bysilica gel chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanes toafford 13-4C (520 mg, 2.08 mmol, 43% yield) as a brown thick liquid. MS(ESI): m/z 251.2 [M+1]⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

13-3A (783 mg, 3 mmol) was used to prepare 13-4A (600 mg, 46%). MS(ESI): m/z 357.3 (M+1)⁺.

3-Allyloxy-propan-1-ol 13-3B (1.7 g, 14.65 mmol) was used to prepare13-4B (300 mg, 39%). MS (ESI): m/z 251.2 [M+1]⁺.

Hept-6-en-1-ol 13-3D (1 g, 8.77 mmol) was used to prepare 13-4D (800 mg,80%). MS (ESI): m/z=249.2 [M+H]⁺.

Methyl 4-(2-(4-hydroxybutoxy)-ethyl)benzoate (13-5C)

To a solution 13-4C (520 mg, 2.08 mmol) in ethanol (5 mL) was added 20%Pd(OH)₂/C (30 mg) and stirred at RT for 3 hr under H₂ atmosphere. Thereaction mixture was filtered on ciliate bed and washed with 10%MeOH-EtOAc. Filtrate was distilled under reduced pressure, the crudecompound was purified by column chromatography (100-200 silica) using30% EtOAc in hexanes to afford 13-5C (400 mg, 1.58 mmol, 76% yield). MS(ESI): m/z 253.0 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

13-4A (600 mg, 1.79 mmol) was used to prepare 13-5A (530 mg, 87%).

13-4B (300 mg, 1.2 mmol) was used to prepare 13-5B (160 mg, 52%). MS(ESI): m/z 253.2 (M+1)⁺.

13-4D (800 mg, 3.22 mmol) was used to prepare 13-5D (600 mg, 74.4%).

Methyl 4-(3-(2-hydroxyethoxy)butyl)benzoate (13-5A)

To a solution of 13-5AT (530 mg, 1.5 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was added PPTS(79 mg, 0.3 mmol) and stirred at 0° C. to RT for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was distilled off and diluted with excess EtOAc (100 mL), washedwith water (100 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentratedunder reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified usingcombi-flash column chromatography (18% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 13-5A(250 mg, 0.99 mmol, 66% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 253.2 (M+1)⁺.

Methyl4-(2-(4-(methylsulfonyloxy)butoxy)-ethyl)benzoate (13-6C)

Methane sulfonylchloride (0.15 mL, 1.90 mmol) at 0° C. was added to asolution of 13-5C (400 mg, 1.58 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) and triethylamine(0.53 mL, 3.79 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixturewas diluted with excess DCM (50 mL) and washed with water (50 mL), brine(20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Thecrude compound was purified by column chromatography (100-200 silica)using 30% EtOAc in hexanes to afford 13-6C (400 mg, 1.21 mmol, 75%yield) as a color less liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 331.3 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

13-5A (250 mg, 0.99 mmol) was used to prepare 13-6A (300 mg, 93%). MS(ESI): m/z 331.2 (M+1)⁺.

13-5B (160 mg, 0.63 mmol) was used to prepare 13-6B (165 mg, 78%). MS(ESI): m/z 331.2 (M+1)⁺.

13-5D (600 mg, 2.4 mmol) was used to prepare 13-6D (700 mg, 93.3%).Confirmed by ¹H NMR.

4-[2-(4-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-butoxy)-ethyl]-benzoicacid methyl ester (13-7C)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (304 mg, 0.75 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (313 mg, 2.27 mmol) followed by 13-6C (300 mg,0.91 mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr.The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL)washed with water (50 mL), brine (25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purifiedusing column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanesto afford 13-7C (280 mg, 0.44 mmol, 59% yield) as an off-white solid. MS(ESI): m/z 637.4 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

4-[4-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-butyl]-benzoicacid methyl ester (13-7A)

13-6A (197 mg, 0.59 mmol) was used to prepare 13-7A (130 mg, 34%). MS(ESI): m/z 637.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-[3-(3-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-propoxy)-propyl]-benzoicacid methyl ester (13-7B)

13-6B (160 mg, 0.48 mmol) was used to prepare 13-7B (130 mg, 42%). MS(ESI): m/z 637.0 (M+1)⁺.

4-(7-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-heptyl)-benzoicacid methyl ester (13-7D)

13-6D (195 mg, 0.62 mmol) was used to prepare 13-7D (110 mg, 28%). MS(ESI): m/z 635.6 (M+1)⁺.

4-(2-(4-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)-methylsulfonamido)butoxy)-ethyl)benzoicacid (13-8C)

To a stirred solution of 13-7C (100 mg, 0.157 mmol) in THF, MeOH & water(4:1:1; 6 mL) was added LiOH (19 mg, 0.785 mmol) and stirred at RT for16 hr. After completion of the reaction as indicated by TLC, thereaction mixture was neutralized with 1N HCl and extracted with EtOAc.The organic layer was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by washings with DCM andpentane to afford 13-8C (40 mg, 0.064 mmol, 41% yield) as an off-whitesolid. MS (ESI): m/z 621.5 (M−1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

4-[4-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-butyl]-benzoicacid (13-8A)

13-7A (50 mg, 0.07 mmol) was used to prepare 13-8A (16 mg, 35%). MS(ESI): m/z 623.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-[3-(3-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-propoxy)-propyl]-benzoicacid (13-8B)

13-7B (90 mg, 0.14 mmol) was used to prepare 13-8B (40 mg, 45%). MS(ESI): m/z 623.1 (M+1)⁺.

4-(7-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-heptyl)-benzoicacid (13-8D)

13-7D (60 mg, 0.09 mmol) was used to prepare 13-8D (27 mg, 46%). MS(ESI): m/z 621.3 (M+1)⁺.

Example 142-(2-(2-(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethylmethanesulfonate(14-1)

Methanesulfonyl chloride (1.1 mL, 13.88 mmol) at 0° C. was added to asolution of 2-4B (2.5 g, 10.68 mmol) in THF (22 mL) and triethylamine (3mL, 21.36 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (150 mL) and washed with water (100 mL), brine(100 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude compound was purified using 100-200 silicagel column chromatography (3% MeOH in DCM) to afford 14-1 (3 g, 9.61mmol, 91% yield) as a pale yellowish oily liquid.

Ethyl2-(2-(2-(2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)benzoate(14-3A)

To a solution of 14-1 (800 mg, 2.56 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (353 mg, 2.56 mmol) followed by ethyl2-hydroxybenzoate 14-2A (553 mg, 3.33 mmol) and stirred at 70° C. for 16hr. The reaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (100 mL),washed with water (100 mL), and brine (50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, andthe organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure. Obtainedcrude compound was purified using silica gel chromatography (40% EtOAcin hexanes) to afford 14-4A (700 mg, 1.83 mmol, 71% yield). MS (ESI):m/z 382.73 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

Ethyl 3-hydroxy-benzoate 14-2B (553 mg, 3.33 mmol) was used to prepare14-3B (700 mg, 73%). MS (ESI): m/z 399.8 (M+18)⁺.

Ethyl 4-hydroxy-benzoate 14-2C (553 mg, 3.33 mmol) was used to prepare14-3C (800 mg, 81%). MS (ESI): m/z 405.4 (M+23)⁺.

Ethyl 2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)benzoate (14-4A)

To a stirred solution of 14-3A (700 mg, 1.83 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) wasadded pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (353 mg, 2.56 mmol) at 0° C., andstirred at RT for 4 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (100mL) extracted with DCM (3×50 mL), the combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Theresidue was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica)using (40% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 14-4A (400 mg, 1.34 mmol, 74%yield) as a colorless oily liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 252.9 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

14-3B (720 mg, 1.83 mmol) was used to prepare 14-4B (450 mg, 80%). MS(ESI): m/z 252.9 (M+1)⁺.

14-3C (800 mg, 2.09 mmol) was used to prepare 14-4C (520 mg, 83%). MS(ESI): m/z 252.9 (M+1)⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoic acid ethylester (14-5A)

Methane sulfonyl chloride (229 mg, 2.01 mmol) at 0° C. was added to asolution of 14-4A (400 mg, 1.34 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) and triethylamine(339 mg, 3.35 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (50 mL) and washed with water (50 mL), thenbrine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase concentratedunder reduced pressure to get crude compound. Obtained compound waspurified using 100-200 silica gel column chromatography (50% EtOAc inhexanes) to afford 14-5A (440 mg, 1.17 mmol, 87% yield) as a palebrownish gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 377.3 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

14-4B (300 mg, 1 mmol) was used to prepare 14-5B (280 mg, 74%). MS(ESI): m/z 376.7 (M+1)⁺.

14-4C (300 mg, 1 mmol) was used to prepare 14-5C (305 mg, 80%). MS(ESI): m/z 376.7 (M+1)⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoicacid ethyl ester (14-6A)

To a solution of 1-12 (250 mg, 0.62 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (257 mg, 1.86 mmol) followed by 14-5A (280 mg, 0.74mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI, then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL), washed withwater (50 mL), brine (25 mL), and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound.Obtained crude was purified using silica gel chromatography (50% EtOAcin hexanes) to afford 14-6A (200 mg, 0.29 mmol, 47% yield). MS (ESI):m/z 681.5 (M−1)⁻.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoicacid ethyl ester (14-6C)

14-5B (280 mg, 0.74 mmol) was used to prepare 14-6B (150 mg, 29%). MS(ESI): m/z 682.7 (M+1)⁺.

4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoicacid ethyl ester (14-6C)

14-5C (280 mg, 0.74 mmol) was used to prepare 14-6C (180 mg, 35%). MS(ESI): m/z 683.3 (M+1)⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoicacid (14-7A)

To a solution of 14-6A (50 mg, 0.073 mmol) in THF and water (4:1; 4 mL)was added LiOH (8 mg, 0.36 mmol) and stirred at RT for 16 hr. Aftercompletion as indicated by TLC, the reaction mixture was neutralizedwith 1N HCl and then extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was washedwith brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated to get crude compound.Obtained crude was purified by Prep TLC to give 14-7A (20 mg, 0.030mmol, 41% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 655.5 (M+1)⁺.

The Above Procedure was Adapted to Prepare the Following Compounds:

3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoicacid (14-7B)

14-6B (75 mg, 0.11 mmol) was used to prepare 14-7B (20 mg, 27%). MS(ESI): m/z 654.8 (M+1)⁺.

4-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-benzoicacid (14-7C)

14-6C (100 mg, 0.14 mmol) was used to prepare 14-7C (30 mg, 31%). MS(ESI): m/z 655.3 (M+1)⁺.

Example 15 6-(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)hexan-1-ol (15-2)

To a stirred solution of 15-1 (4 g, 33.8 mmol) in DCM (200 mL) was addeddihydropyran (2.78 mL, 30.5 mmol) and PPTS (1.2 g, 6.8 mmol) at 0° C.,and stirred at RT for 4 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with water(300 mL), extracted with DCM (3×250 mL). The combined organic layerswere washed with brine (2×100 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH/DCM to afford 15-2 (2 g, 9.9 mmol, 30%yield) as a colorless thick liquid.

6-(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)hexyl methanesulfonate (15-3)

Methane sulfonylchloride (0.8 g, 3.96 mmol)) was added to a solution of15-2 (0.33 mL, 4.4 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and triethylamine (1.15 mL, 8.6mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (25 mL) extracted with DCM (3×50 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanes to afford15-3 (850 mg, 3.04 mmol, 78% yield) as a colorless thick liquid.

Ethyl 4-(7-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)heptyl)benzoate (15-4)

To a stirred solution of 14-2C (400 mg, 2.4 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (332.5 mg, 2.65 mmol), 15-3 (742 mg, 2.65mmol) at RT and reaction was continued to stirring at 70° C. for 16 hr.The reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water (20 mL) andextracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined organic layers were washedwith water (2×20 mL), brine (15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica)using 20% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 15-4 (600 mg, 1.72 mmol, 71% yield) aslight pink solid. MS (ESI): m/z 373.47 [M+23]⁺.

Ethyl 4-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)benzoate (15-5)

To a stirred solution of 15-4 (570 g, 1.63 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) wasadded pyridiniump-toluenesulfonate (91 mg, 0.33 mmol) at 0° C. andstirred at RT for 16 hr. The solvents were distilled-off under reducedpressure. The residue obtained was extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with brine (100 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 5% acetone:DCM to afford 15-5 (348mg, 1.31 mmol, 80% yield) as gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 266.97 [M+1]⁺.

Ethyl 4-(6-(methylsulfonyloxy)hexyloxy)benzoate (15-6)

Methanesulfonyl chloride (0.12 mL, 1.56 mmol)) was added to a solutionof 15-5 (345 mg, 1.29 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and triethylamine (0.4 mL,3.1 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (25 mL) extracted with DCM (3×20 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc in hexanes to afford15-6 (385 mg, 1.12 mmol, 86.8% yield) as a colorless thick liquid. MS(ESI): m/z 344.7 [M+1]⁺.

4-(6-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-hexyloxy)-benzoicacid ethyl ester (15-7)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (250 mg, 0.62 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (257 mg, 1.86 mmol) followed by [15-6] (256mg, 0.74 mmol), catalytic amount of tetra-butyl ammonium iodide at 80°C. for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted withEtOAc (50 mL) washed with water (2×50 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH: DCM to afford 15-7 (252mg, 0.39 mmol, 60% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 651.4[M+1]⁺.

4-(6-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-hexyloxy)-benzoicacid (15-8)

To a stirred solution of 15-7 (80 mg, 0.12 mmol) in THF and water (4 mL,4:1) was added LiOH (17.7 mg, 0.73 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 16 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents were evaporated at rotary evaporator, residue extracted withether (25 mL). Then aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (2 mL)followed by extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined organic layerswere washed with brine (2×15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The crude residue was purified by preparative HPLC to give 15-8 (18 mg,0.03 mmol, 24% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 622.74[M+H]⁺.

Example 16 5-(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-pentan-1-ol (16-2)

To a stirred solution of 16-1 (20 g, 192 mmol) in DCM (400 mL) was addeddihydropyran (14 g, 163.4 mmol) and pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (3.6g, 19.2 mmol) at 0° C., and stirred at RT for 4 hr. The reaction mixturewas diluted with water (500 mL) extracted with DCM (3×350 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with brine (2×100 mL) and dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH/DCM to afford 16-2 (5.6 g,30 mmol, 15% yield) as a colorless thick liquid.

Methyl 4-((5-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-pentyloxy)-methyl)benzoate(16-3)

To a solution of NaH (536 mg, 22.3 mmol) in THF (40 mL) was added 16-2(2.8 g, 14.89 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reactionmixture was again cooled to 0° C., methyl 4-(bromomethyl)benzoate 6-2B(3.58 g, 15.63 mmol) was added, and stirred for RT for 6 hr. Thereaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water and diluted with EtOAc(100 mL) washed with water (50 mL), brine (25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄,and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purifiedusing silica gel chromatography (15% EtOAc in hexane) to afford 16-3 (1g, 2.97 mmol, 20% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 359.3 [M+23]⁺.

Methyl 4-((5-hydroxypentyloxy)-methyl)benzoate (16-4)

To a stirred solution of 16-3 (1 g, 2.97 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was addedpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (75 mg, 0.29 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred atRT for 16 hr. The solvents were distilled-off under reduced pressure.The residue obtained was extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combinedorganic layer washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 5% acetone-DCM to afford methyl 16-4 (720 mg,2.85 mmol, 96% yield) as gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 253.2 [M+1]⁺.

Methyl 4-((5-(methylsulfonyloxy)-pentyloxy)-methyl)benzoate (16-5)

Methane sulfonylchloride (0.28 mL, 3.4 mmol) was added to a solution of16-4 (850 mg, 3.37 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and triethylamine (0.4 mL, 3.1mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (25 mL) extracted with DCM (3×20 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc in hexanes to afford16-5 (600 mg, 1.8 mmol, 63% yield) as a colorless thick liquid. MS(ESI): m/z 331.2 [M+1]⁺.

4-(5-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-pentyloxymethyl)-benzoicacid methyl ester (16-6)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (600 mg, 1.52 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (627 mg, 4.54 mmol) followed by 16-5 (600 mg,1.82 mmol), catalytic amount of tetrabutyl ammonium iodide at 80° C. for16 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50mL) washed with water (2×50 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH-DCM to afford 16-6 (850 mg, 1.33 mmol,89% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 637.33 [M+H]⁺.

4-(5-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-pentyloxymethyl)-benzoicacid (16-7)

To a stirred solution of 16-6 (850 mg, 1.34 mmol) in THF and water (10mL; 4:1) was added LiOH (192 mg, 8.02 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 16 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents were evaporated via rotary evaporator, and residue wasextracted with ether (25 mL). The aqueous layer was neutralized with 1NHCl (2 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined organiclayers were washed with brine (2×15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by preparative HPLC to give16-7 (72 mg, 0.12 mmol, 8.6% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z623.3 [M+1]⁺.

Example 17A Ethyl 2-fluoro-5-methylbenzoate (17A-2)

To a stirred solution of 2-fluoro-5-methylbenzoic acid 17A-1 (2 g, 12.9mmol) in EtOH (20 mL) was added H₂SO₄ (0.1 mL, catalytic) at 0° C. andthe reaction was refluxed for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasconcentrated, and to the residue was added ice cold water (100 mL) andextracted with EtOAc (3×200 mL), The combined organic layers were washedwith water (2×200 mL), brine (150 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 15% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 17A-2 (2.2 g, 12.08mmol, 95% yield) as a colorless thick liquid. MS=183.1 [M+H]⁺.

Ethyl 5-(bromomethyl)-2-fluorobenzoate (17-3A)

To a stirred solution of 17-2A (2.2 g, 12.09 mmol) in ACN (20 mL) wasadded NBS (2.32 g, 13.1 mmol) and AIBN (198 mg, 1.21 mmol) at RT. Thereaction mixture was warmed to 90° C. for 6h under nitrogen atmosphere.The reaction mixture solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure andthe crude residue washed with toluene (100 mL) and filtered theprecipitate (NBS). The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressureand the crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 5% EtOAc/pet. ether to afford 17-3A (2.51 g,19.61 mmol, 81% yield) as a colorless liquid.

Ethyl2-fluoro-5-((2-(2-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-oxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)benzoate(17A-4)

To a stirred solution of 2-4A (656 mg, 3.40 mmol) in THF (5 mL) wasadded NaH (165 mg, 3.40 mmol) at 0° C., and reaction was continued at RTfor 30 min. 17A-3 (1.0 g, 3.8 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added to reactionmixture at 0° C. for 5 min. and reaction was continued at RT for 16 hr.The reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water (100 mL) andextracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL), the combined organic layers were washedwith water (2×100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 17A-4 (270 mg, 0.729mmol, 8.9% yield) as a thick yellow liquid. MS=283.1 [M−THP]⁺.

Ethyl 2-fluoro-5-((2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)benzoate (17A-5)

To a stirred solution of 17A-4 (270 mg, 0.72 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) wasadded PPTS (37 mg, 0.014 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 12 hr. Thesolvents were distilled off under reduced pressure. The residue obtainedwas extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL), the combined organic layers werewashed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford17A-5 (190 mg, 0.61 mmol, 91% yield) as a brown gummy liquid. MS=283.09[M−1]⁻.

2-Fluoro-5-[2-(2-methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoic acidethyl ester (17A-6)

Methane sulfonyl chloride (0.06 mL, 0.79 mmol) was added to a solutionof 17A-5 (190 mg, 0.61 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) and triethylamine (0.28 mL,1.91 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (50 mL) extracted with DCM (3×50 mL), the combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 25% EtOAc in hexane to afford 17A-6 (108 mg, 0.32mmol, 44.8% yield) as a colorless gummy liquid. MS=382.09 [M+18]⁺.

5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-fluoro-benzoicacid ethyl ester (17A-7)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (100 mg, 0.24 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (103 mg, 0.74 mmol) followed by 17A-6 (108 mg,0.29 mmol), a catalytic amount of TBAI at 80° C. for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed withwater (2×40 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica)using 25% EtOAc:pet. ether to afford 17A-7 (59 mg, 0.088 mmol, 35.2%yield) as an off-white solid. MS=670.9 [M+1]⁺.

5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-fluoro-benzoicacid (17A-8A)

To a stirred solution of 17A-7 (50 mg, 0.07 mmol) in THF and water (3mL; 1:1) was added LiOH (18 mg, 0.74 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 5 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents evaporated under reduced pressure, residue extracted with ether(50 mL). Then aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (5 mL) followedby extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL).The combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Theresidue was washed with ether pentene to afford 17A-8A (14.2 mg, 30.1%yield) as an off-white solid. MS=641.29 [M−1]⁻.

5-Cyclopropyl-6-({2-[2-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxycarbamoyl-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (17A-8B)

To a stirred solution of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (1 g, 14.34 mmol)in MeOH (1.5 mL) was added KOH (1.2 g, 21.51 mmol) in MeOH at 0° C. OnemL of this solution was added to a solution of 17A-7 (50 mg, 0.07 mmol)in MeOH at 0° C., and the reaction was continued at RT for 1 hr. Aftercompletion of the reaction (TLC), solvents were evaporated under reducedpressure, then water was added and the solution was neutralized with 1NHCl (5 mL), followed by extraction with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified with preparative HPLC to afford17A-8B (5 mg, 10% yield) as a brown solid. MS=658.2 [M+1]⁺.

Example 17B Methyl 2-methoxy-5-methylbenzoate (17B-2)

To a stirred solution of 2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzoic acid 17B-1 (3 g,19.73 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (8.2 g, 59.21 mmol) andmethyl iodide (2.7 mL, 43.41 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction was stirred atRT for 6 hr. To the reaction mixture was added ice cold water (100 mL)and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL), the combined organic layers werewashed with water (2×200 mL), brine (150 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 15% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 17B-2 (3.4 g, 18.88mmol, 85% yield) as a colorless thick liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 181.1(M+1)⁺.

5-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-methoxy-benzoicacid (17B-8)

Starting from 17B-2, substituted for 17A-2 in Step-B, the proceduregiven in Example 17A was adapted to prepare 17B-8. MS (ESI): m/z 654.8(M+1)⁺.

Example 18 Methyl 4-iodo-2-methylbenzoate (18-2A)

To a solution of 4-iodo-2-methyl-benzoic acid 18-1A (2 g, 7.62 mmol) inMeOH (20 mL) was added thionyl chloride (1.5 mL, 10.87 mmol) at 0° C.and stirred at reflux for 6 hr. The reaction mixture was distilled offand diluted with EtOAc (50 mL), washed with water (100 mL), NaHCO₃solution (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude compound was purified using silica gelchromatography (10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 18-2A (1.8 g, 6.55 mmol,85.7% yield) as a brown oily liquid.

Methyl 4-formyl-3-methylbenzoate (18-3B)

To a stirred solution of 18-2B (3.2 g, 11.5 mmol; TCI) in THF wastreated with isopropyl magnesium chloride (i-PrMgCl) in THF (22.8 mL of2.0 M in THF, 46 mmol) at −15° C. After 2 hr stirring at the sametemperature, dry DMF (4.3 mL, 57.5 mmol) was added and the reaction wasallowed to warm to 23° C. over 1 hr. After consumption of the startingmaterial (by TLC), the reaction was quenched with aqueous 1M HCl (60mL), followed by extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 5% EtOAc in hexanes to afford18-3B (1.4 g, 7.8 mmol, 70% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z179.2 (M+1)⁺.

Step-B above was adapted using methyl 4-iodo-2-methyl-benzoate (18-2A)(1.8g, 6.52 mmol) to prepare 18-3A (906 mg, 78%).

Methyl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-3-methylbenzoate (18-4B)

To a stirred solution of 18-3B (1.4 g, 7.8 mmol) in MeOH, was addedNaBH₄ (0.29 g, 7.8 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred to RT for 30 min. Afterconsumption of starting material (TLC), reaction mixture was quenchedwith saturated ammonium chloride solution, then MeOH was distilled offand aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated at reduced pressure. The crude product was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc in hexaneto afford 18-4B (1.2 g, 6.6 mmol, 84% yield) as a colorless liquid. MS(ESI): m/z 181.0 (M+1)⁺.

Step-C above was adapted using 18-3A (900 mg, 5.0 mmol) to prepare 18-4A(801 mg, 88%). MS (ESI): m/z 81.17 [M+1]⁺.

Methyl 4-(bromomethyl)-3-methylbenzoate (18-5B)

To a stirred solution of 18-4B (1.2 g, 6.6 mmol) in DCM, was addedphosphorous tribromide (0.64 mL, 6.6 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred to RTfor 30 min. After consumption of the starting material (by TLC),reaction was quenched with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and extracted withDCM. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude compound was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 5% EtOAc in hexane to afford 18-5B(0.95 g, 3.9 mmol, 59% yield) as a colorless semi-solid.

Step-D above was adapted using 18-4A (1.42 g, 7.88 mmol) to prepare18-5A (920 mg, 48%).

Methyl3-methyl-4-((2-(2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)benzoate(18-6B)

To a stirred solution of 2-4A (0.745 g, 3.9 mmol) in THF (20 mL) wasadded NaH (102 mg, 4.29 mmol) portion wise at 0° C. and stirred at RTfor 1 hr, then added the solution of 18-5B (950 mg, 3.9 mmol) in THF (10mL) at the same temperature and stirred at RT for 4 hr. The reactionmixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution anddiluted with EtOAc (100 mL) washed with water (100 mL), brine (50 mL)and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase was concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude compound was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc in hexane to afford18-6B (500 mg, 1.42 mmol, 36% yield) as a pale yellow liquid. MS (ESI):m/z 269.0 (M-THP+1)⁺.

Step-E above was adapted using [18-5A (650 mg, 3.81 mmol) to prepare[18-6A (602 mg, 44%). MS (ESI): m/z 370.39 [M+18]⁺.

Methyl 4-((2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)-3-methylbenzoate (18-7B)

To a solution of 18-6B (500 mg, 1.42 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was addedPPTS (35.6 mg, 0.14 mmol) and stirred at 0° C. to RT for 16 hr. Thereaction mixture was distilled off and diluted with excess EtOAc (50mL), washed with water (50 mL), brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexaneto afford to afford 18-7B (270 mg, 1.0 mmol, 71% yield) as a yellowishliquid. MS (ESI): m/z 269.0 (M+1)⁺.

Step-F above was adapted using 18-6A (600 mg, 1.7 mmol) to prepare 18-7A(252 mg, 57%). MS (ESI): m/z 269.2 [M+1]⁺.

4-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-3-methyl-benzoic acidmethyl ester (18-8B)

To a stirred solution of 18-7B (0.270 g, 1.01 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) wasadded triethylamine (0.33 mL, 2.41 mmol) and methanesulfonyl chloride(0.097 mL, 1.2 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with excess DCM (50 mL) and washed with water (50mL), brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude compound was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 25% EtOAc in hexane to afford 18-8B (250 mg, 0.72mmol, yield 71%) as a colorless liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 347.0 (M+1)⁺.

Step-G was adapted using 18-7A (260 mg, 0.9 mmol) to prepare 18-8A (270mg, 80.4%). MS (ESI): m/z 347.1 [M+1]⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-3-methyl-benzoicacid methyl ester (18-9B)

To a solution of 1-12 (252 mg, 0.62 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (260 mg, 1.88 mmol) followed by 18-8B (250 mg, 0.72mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed withwater (50 mL), brine (15 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAcin hexane to afford 18-9B210 mg, 0.32 mmol, 51% yield) as an off-whitesolid. MS (ESI): m/z 653.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-methyl-benzoicacid methyl ester (18-9A)

Step-H was adapted using 18-8A (225 mg, 1.55 mmol) to prepare 18-9A (184mg, 50%). MS (ESI): m/z 653.2 [M+1]⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-3-methyl-benzoicacid (18-10B)

To a solution of 18-9B (100 mg, 0.15 mmol) in THF and water (4:1; 6 mL)was added LiOH.H₂O (22 mg, 0.91 mmol) and stirred at RT for 16 hr. Aftercompletion of the reaction as indicated by TLC, the reaction mixture wasneutralized with 1N HCl and then extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). Thecombined organic layer was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified bycolumn chromatography (100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH in DCM, followed byDCM and pentane washing to afford 18-10B (45 mg, 0.07 mmol, 46% yield)as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 639.0 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-methyl-benzoicacid (18-10A)

This procedure was adapted using 18-9A (100 mg, 0.1 mmol) to prepare18-10A (37 mg, 38%). MS (ESI): m/z 639.3 [M+1]⁺.

Example 19 Methyl 2-chloroisonicotinate (19-2A)

To a solution of 2-chloroisonicotinic acid 19-1A (5 g, 31.8 mmol) inMeOH (50 mL) was added SOCl₂ (2.7 mL, 38.2 mmol) portion-wise at 0° C.,and the mixture was stirred at RT for 16 hr. Solvent was evaporatedunder reduced pressure. The reaction was quenched with saturated sodiumcarbonate and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed with water (50 mL),brine (20 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. Obtained crude compound waspurified using silica gel chromatography (15% EtOAc in hexanes) toafford 19-2A (4.4 g, 25.7 mmol, 81% yield) as an off-white solid. MS(ESI): m/z 172.1 (M+1)⁺.

(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-methanol (19-3B)

To a solution of 19-2B (500 mg, 2.693 mmol) in MeOH (5 mL) was addedsodium borohydride (153 mg, 4.04 mmol) portion wise at 0° C. and stirredat RT for 16 hr. The reaction was quenched with saturated ammoniumchloride and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed with water (50 mL), brine(20 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase was concentratedunder reduced pressure to get crude compound. Obtained crude waspurified using silica gel chromatography (30% EtOAc in hexanes) toafford 19-3B (230 mg, 1.60 mmol, 59% yield) as a pale yellow solid. MS(ESI): m/z 144.0 (M+1)⁺.

Step-B was adapted using 19-2A (1 g, 5.8 mmol) to prepare 19-3A (800 mg,95%). MS (ESI): m/z 144.0 (M+1)⁺.

5-(Bromomethyl)-2-chloropyridine (19-4B)

To a solution of 19-3B (115 mg, 0.804 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was addedcarbon tetrabromide (320 mg, 0.965 mmol), triphenylphosphine (210 mg,0.965 mmol), and stirred at 0° C. to RT for 16 hr. The reaction mixturewas diluted with excess DCM (20 mL), washed with water (20 mL), brine(10 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase was concentratedunder reduced pressure. Obtained crude compound was purified usingsilica gel chromatography (8% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 19-4B (100 mg,0.48 mmol, yield 60%). MS (ESI): m/z 206.0 (M−1)⁺.

Step-C was adapted using 19-3A (800 mg, 5.5 mmol) to prepare 19-4A (600mg, 52%). MS (ESI): m/z 206.1 (M−1)⁺.

2-(Chloro-5-((2-(2-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)-pyridine) (19-5B)

To a solution of 2-4A (77 mg, 0.40 mmol) in THF (2 mL) was added NaH (12mg, 0.48 mmol) portion wise at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr and thenadded a solution of 19-4B in THF (100 mg, 0.40 mmol; 1 mL) at the sametemperature and stirred at RT for 3 hr. The reaction was quenched withsaturated ammonium chloride and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed withwater (50 mL), brine (20 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound.Obtained crude was purified using silica gel chromatography (35% EtOAcin hexanes) to afford 19-5B (70 mg, 0.22 mmol, 55% yield) as a brownishgummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 316.3 (M+1)⁺.

Step-D was adapted using 19-4A (600 mg, 2.9 mmol) to prepare 19-5A (300mg, 30%). MS (ESI): m/z 316.3 (M+1)⁺.

2-(2-((6-Chloropyridine-3-yl)-methoxy)-ethoxy)-ethanol (19-6B)

To a solution of 19-5B (70 mg, 0.22 mmol) in MeOH (1 mL) was added PPTS(11 mg, 0.04 mmol) and stirred at 0° C. to RT for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was distilled off and diluted with excess EtOAc (20 mL), washedwith water (20 mL), brine (10 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound.Obtained crude was purified using silica gel chromatography (50% EtOAcin hexanes) to afford 19-6B (40 mg, 0.173 mmol, 78% yield) as a brownishgummy liquid. Confirmed by ¹H NMR.

Step-E was adapted using 19-5A (300 mg, 0.95 mmol) was used to prepare19-6A (100 mg, 45%). MS (ESI): m/z 232.1 (M+1)⁺.

2-(2-((6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-methoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl methanesulfonate(19-7B)

Methane sulfonyl chloride (29 mg, 0.26 mmol) was added to a solution of19-6B (40 mg, 0.17 mmol) in DCM (1 mL) and triethylamine (43 mg, 0.4329mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (10 mL) and washed with water (10 mL), brine (10mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase concentrated underreduced pressure to get crude compound. Obtained compound was purifiedusing 100-200 silica gel column chromatography (40% EtOAc in hexanes) toafford 19-7B (36 mg, 0.116 mmol, 67% yield) as a brownish oily liquid.MS (ESI): m/z 310.18 (M+1)⁺.

Step-F was adapted using 19-6A (100 mg, 0.43 mmol) was used to prepare19-7A (100 mg, 76%). MS (ESI): m/z 310.1 (M+1)⁺.

2-(2-((6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)-methoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide(19-8B)

To a solution of 1-12 (39 mg, 0.097 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (40 mg, 0.291 mmol) followed by 19-7B (36 mg, 0.11mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (20 mL) washed withwater (20 mL), brine (15 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. Obtained crude productwas purified using prep TLC method to afford 19-8B (25 mg, 0.04 mmol,34% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 616.4 (M+1)⁺.

6-({2-[2-(2-Chloro-pyridin-4-ylmethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (19-8A)

Step-G was adapted using 19-7A (100 mg, 0.32 mmol) to prepare 19-8A (39mg, 17%). MS (ESI): m/z 616.2 (M+1)⁺.

Example 20 Ethyl 4-methyl-1-naphthoate (20-2)

To a solution of 20-1 (5 g, 26.9 mmol) in ethanol (50 mL) was addedthionyl chloride (4.8 g, 40.32 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at reflux for6 hr. The reaction mixture was distilled off and diluted with EtOAc (100mL), washed with water (100 mL), NaHCO₃ solution (50 mL) and dried overNa₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified using silica gel chromatography (10% EtOAc in hexanes) toafford 20-2 (5 g, 23.63 mmol, 87% yield) as a brown oily liquid. MS(ESI): m/z 215.1 (M+1)⁺.

Ethyl 4-(bromomethyl)-1-naphthoate (20-3)

To a solution of 20-2 (1 g, 4.67 mmol) in ACN (40 mL) was added N-bromosuccinimide (744 mg, 4.20 mmol), azo isobutyronitrile (76 mg, 0.46mmol), and stirred at reflux for 6 hr. The reaction mixture was dilutedwith EtOAc (100 mL), washed with water (100 mL), brine (50 mL) and driedover Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compoundwas purified using silica gel chromatography (3% EtOAc in hexanes) toafford 20-3 (600 mg, 2.05 mmol, 44% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 293.1 (M+1)⁺.

Ethyl4-((2-(2-((tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-oxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)-1-naphthoate(20-4)

To a solution of 2-4A (800 mg, 4.21 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added NaH(121 mg, 5.05 mmol) portion-wise at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr andadded the solution of 20-3 (1.47 g, 5.05 mmol) in THF (10 mL) at thesame temperature and stirred at RT for 3 hr. The reaction mixture wasquenched with saturated ammonium chloride and diluted with EtOAc (100mL), washed with water (100 mL), brine (50 mL), and dried over Na₂SO₄,and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purifiedusing silica gel chromatography (30% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 20-4(600 mg, 1.49 mmol, 35% yield) as a pale green gummy liquid. MS (ESI):m/z 420.4 (M+18)⁺.

Ethyl 4-((2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)-1-naphthoate (20-5)

To a solution of 20-4 (600 mg, 1.49 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was added PPTS(37.7 mg, 0.15 mmol) and stirred at 0° C. to RT for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was distilled off and diluted with excess EtOAc (50 mL), washedwith water (50 mL), brine (20 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, andconcentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. Obtainedcrude was purified using silica gel chromatography (50% EtOAc inhexanes) to afford 20-5 (365 mg, 1.15 mmol, 77% yield) as a pale greengummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 319.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylicacid ethyl ester (20-6)

Methane sulfonylchloride (193 mg, 1.69 mmol) at 0° C. was added to asolution of 20-5 (360 mg, 1.13 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) and triethylamine(286 mg, 2.83 mmol) and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (50 mL) and washed with water (50 mL), brine (20mL), and dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Thecrude compound was purified using 100-200 silica gel columnchromatography (40% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 20-6 (355 mg, 0.89 mmol,79% yield) as a pale green oily liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 397.2 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylicacid ethyl ester (20-7)

To a solution of 1-12 (250 mg, 0.62 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (257 mg, 1.86 mmol) followed by 20-6 (295 mg, 0.74mmol), a catalytic amount of TBAI, then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washedwith water (50 mL), brine (15 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purifiedusing 100-200 silica gel column chromatography (40% EtOAc in hexanes) toafford 20-7 (180 mg, 0.25 mmol, 39% yield) as an off-white solid. MS(ESI): m/z 703.3 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylicacid (20-8)

To a solution of 20-7 (100 mg, 0.14 mmol) in MeOH, THF and water (1:4:1;6 mL) was added LiOH.H₂O (28 mg, 0.71 mmol) and stirred at RT for 16 hr.After completion of the reaction as indicated by TLC, the reactionmixture was neutralized with 1N HCl and then extracted with EtOAc (3×25mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄and concentrated. The crude compound was purified by prep TLC to afford20-8 (30 mg, 0.04 mmol, 31% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z673.5 (M+1)⁺.

Example 21 2-(2-(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethylmethanesulfonate (21-1)

To a stirred solution of 2-4A (300 mg, 1.57 mmol) in DCM, was addedtriethylamine (0.3 mL, 1.88 mmol) at 0° C. After 5 min, mesyl chloride(0.15 mL, 1.88 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture at the sametemperature then reaction warmed to stir at RT for 2 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with water, and extracted with DCM (3×30 mL). Thecombined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by column chromatographyto afford 21-1 (390 mg, 1.45 mmol, 92% yield) as an off-white solid.

5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methyl-6-(N-(2-(2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-yloxy)ethoxy)ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)benzofuran-3-carboxamide(21-2)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (300 mg, 0.75 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (309 mg, 2.24 mmol) followed by 21-1 (237 mg,0.89 mmol), catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium iodide at 80° C. for16 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50mL) washed with water (2×40 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated at reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH-DCM to afford21-2 (312 mg, 0.54 mmol, 73% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z572.8 (M−1)⁻.

5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-(N-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide(21-3)

To a stirred solution of 21-2 (312 mg, 0.54 mmol) in MeOH (6 mL) wasadded pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (30 mg, 0.11 mmol) at 0° C. andstirred at RT for 16 hr. The solvents were distilled-off under reducedpressure. The residue obtained was extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). Thecombined organic layer washed with brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated at reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 5% acetone-DCM toafford 21-3 (200 mg, 0.4 mmol, 76%) as gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 491.4(M+1)⁺.

Methanesulfonic acid2-(2-{[5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethylester (21-4)

To a stirred solution of 21-3 (40 mg, 0.08 mmol) in DCM, was addedtriethylamine (0.02 mL, 0.19 mmol) at 0° C. After 5 min, mesyl chloride(0.007 mL, 0.09 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture at the sametemperature. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at RT for 2 hr.After, reaction mixture was diluted with water, and extracted with DCM(2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated at reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified by column chromatography to get 21-4 (41 mg, 0.07 mmol, 90%yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z=569.4 (M+1)⁺.

Thioacetic acidS-[2-(2-{[5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethyl]ester (21-5)

To a stirred solution of 21-4 (41 mg, 0.7 mmol) in DMF (2 mL), potassiumthioacetate (KSAc; 8.15 mg, 0.072 mmol) was added slowly at 0° C. andstirred at RT for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (15mL) extracted with EtOAc (3×25 mL). The combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×15 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated atreduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 10% EtOAc/hexane to afford 21-5(16 mg, 0.029 mmol, 41% yield) as a colorless solid. MS (ESI): m/z 548.6[M+1]⁺.

Example 22 1-(3-(3-Hydroxyprop-1-en-1-yl)-phenyl)-ethanone (22-2)

To a stirred solution of 1-(3-iodophenyl) ethanone 22-1 (200 mg, 0.81mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added allyl alcohol (252 mg, 4.06 mmol), AgOAc(137 mg,0.81 mmol), TPP (21 mg, 0.081 mmol). The mixture was purged withargon for 15 min and Pd(OAc)₂ (27 mg, 0.04 mmol) was added at RT. Thereaction mixture was warmed to 70° C. for 16 hr under nitrogenatmosphere. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (10 mL)extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL), the combined organic layers were washedwith brine (2×40 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residuewas purified by column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 20-25%EtOAc/Pet. ether to afford 22-2 (100 mg, 0.56, 69.9% yield) as acolorless liquid. MS=177.1 [M+1]⁺.

1-(3-(3-Hydroxypropyl)-phenyl)-ethanone (22-3)

To a stirred solution of 22-2 (200 mg, 1.13 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) wasadded NaHCO₃ (95 mg, 1.13 mmol), Pd/C (10% w/w) 15 mg, at RT. Thereaction mixture was stirred for 3 hr under H₂ atmosphere (1 atm). Thereaction mixture filtered through a celite bed, washed with EtOAc (50mL), the combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentratedunder reduced pressure to afford 22-3 (190 mg, 0.94, 95% yield) as acolorless liquid.

3-(3-Acetylphenyl)-propyl methanesulfonate (22-4)

Methane sulfonyl chloride (0.137 mL, 1.68 mmol) was added to a solutionof 22-3 (250 mg, 1.40 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and triethylamine (0.591 mL,4.21 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (50 mL) extracted with DCM (3×100 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 15% EtOAc in hexanes to afford 22-4 (180 mg,0.703 mmol, 50.1% yield) as a colorless liquid. MS=257.1 [M+1]⁺.

2-((Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-oxy)-ethanol (22-6)

To a stirred solution of ethane-1,2-diol 22-5 (5 g, 80.6 mmol) in DCM(50 mL) was added DHP (6.4 g, 76.61 mmol) and PTSA (1.53 g, 8.06 mmol)at 0° C., and stirred at RT for 4 hr. The reaction mixture was dilutedwith water (150 mL) extracted with DCM (3×200 mL), the combined organiclayers were washed with brine (2×100 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc-Pet. ether to afford 22-6 (1.2 g, 8.21,10.2% yield) as pale yellow liquid.

1-(3-(3-(2-((Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-oxy)-ethoxy)-propyl)-phenyl)ethanone (22-7)

To a stirred solution of 22-6 (926 mg, 6.3 mmol) in DMSO (6 mL) wasadded NaOH (284 mg, 5.07 mmol) at 0° C., and reaction was continued atRT for 30 min. 22-4 (650 mg, 2.53 mmol) in DMSO (4 mL) was added toreaction mixture at 0° C. for 5 min. and reaction was continued at RTfor 1 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water (100 mL)and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined organic layers werewashed with water (2×200 mL), brine (150 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 15% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 22-7 (420 mg, 1.37mmol, 54.5% yield) as a colorless thick liquid. MS=324.1 [M+1]⁺.

1-(3-(3-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-propyl)-phenyl) ethanone (22-8)

To a stirred solution of 22-7 (400 mg, 1.3 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) wasadded PPTS (70 mg, 0.26 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 16 hr. Thesolvents were distilled off under reduced pressure. The residue obtainedwas extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined organic layers werewashed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford22-8 (210 mg, 0.945 mmol, 72.4% yield) as a colorless gummy liquid.

2-(3-(3-Acetylphenyl)-propoxy)-ethyl methanesulfonate (22-9)

Methane sulfonyl chloride (0.1 mL, 1.29 mmol) was added to a solution of22-8 (210 mg, 0.95 mmol) in DCM (50 mL) and triethylamine (0.4 mL, 2.8mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (50 mL) extracted with DCM (3×100 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc in hexanes to afford 22-9 (220 mg,0.733 mmol, 77.7% yield) as gummy liquid.

6-(N-(2-(3-(3-Acetylphenyl)-propoxy)-ethyl)-methylsulfonamido)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-methylbenzofuran-3-carboxamide(22-10)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (100 mg, 0.24 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (103 mg, 0.74 mmol) followed by 22-9 (110 mg,0.37 mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI at 80° C. for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (75 mL) washed withwater (2×40 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica)using 30% EtOAc:pet. ether to afford 22-10 (110 mg, 0.181 mmol, 73.3%yield) as an off-white solid. MS=607.11 [M+1]⁺.

4-{3-[3-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-propyl]-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-but-2-enoicacid ethyl ester (22-11)

To a stirred solution of 22-10 (50 mg, 0.082 mmol) in THF (3 mL) wasadded KHMDS (0.247 mL, 0.24 mmol) at −78° C., and warm the reactionmixture to −55° C. for 1 hr. Then, diethyl oxalate (0.048 mL, 0.31 mmol)added to the reaction mixture at −78° C. and warm the reaction mixtureto −55° C. for 2 hr, under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture wasquenched with ammonium chloride solution, extracted into EtOAc (3×40mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (2×20 mL), driedover Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography using neutral silica (100-200 silica) 2% MeOH-DCM toafford (40 mg, crude) 22-11, as a brownish gummy mass. MS=707.24 [M+1]⁺.

4-(3-(3-(2-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)methyl sulfonamido)-ethoxy)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-4-oxobut-2-enoicacid (22-12)

To a stirred solution of 22-11 (40 mg, 0.056 mmol) in THF and water (1mL; (1:1)) was added LiOH (8 mg, 0.33 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 5 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents evaporated under reduced pressure, residue extracted with ether(50 mL). Then aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (5 mL) followedby extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Theresidue was purified by preparative HPLC to obtain 22-12 (4 mg) as lightthick mass. MS=679.1 [M+1]⁺.

Example 23 t-Butyl 2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)acetate(23-3A)

To a stirred solution of 2,2′-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))diethanol 23-1 (5g, 33.33 mmol) in DMSO (50 mL) was added potassium tert-butoxide (2.2 g,20 mmol) at 0° C., and tert-butyl 2-bromoacetate 23-2A (2.5 mL, 15.43mmol) was added to reaction mixture at 0° C. Then reaction mixture washeated to 60° C. and continued stirring for 16 hr. The reaction mixturequenched with ice cold water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×200mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×200 mL),brine (150 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue waspurified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 40%EtOAc/hexanes to afford 23-3A (1.2 g, 4.87 mmol, 13.6% yield) as ayellow thick liquid. Confirmed by ¹H NMR.

2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-4,7,10-trioxa-3-siladodecan-12-ol (23-2B1)

To a stirred solution of 23-1 (20 g, 133.33 mmol) in dichloromethane(100 mL) was added imidazole (5.4 g, 79.99 mmol) and TBDMSCl (10.0 g g,66.66 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred to RT for 10 hr. The reaction mixturewas diluted with DCM (200 mL) and washed with water (2×100 mL) and brine(50 mL). The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure andthe crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200silica) using 20% ethyl acetate/pet. ether gave 23-2B1 (10 g, 37.87mmol, 28% yield) as a colorless liquid.

2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-4,7,10-trioxa-3-siladodecan-12-ylmethanesulfonate(23-2B2)

Methane sulfonyl chloride (1.5 mL, 18.93 mmol) and triethylamine (3.2mL, 22.72 mmol) were added to a solution of 23-2B1 (5 g, 18.93 mmol) inDCM (100 mL) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. Reaction mixturediluted with water (25 mL), extracted with DCM (3×25 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with saturated NaHCO₃ solution (10 mL), brine(25 mL), dried over sodium Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. This crude compoundwas purified flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 15%EtOAc/hexanes to afford 23-2B2 (1.1 g, 3.21 mmol, 85% yield) as acolorless liquid.

Ethyl 2,2,3,3,14-pentamethyl-4,7,10,13-tetraoxa-3-silapentadecan-15-oate(23-2B3)

To a stirred solution of 23-2X (0.35 g, 2.96 mmol) in THF (5 mL) wasadded NaH (0.23 g, 5.92 mmol) in THF (10 mL) at 0° C., and the reactionwas continued at RT for 30 min. 23-2B2 (1.1 g, 3.21 mmol) in THF (5 ml)was added to reaction mixture at 0° C. for 5 min, and reaction waswarmed to RT and continued stirring for 16 hr. The reaction mixturequenched with ice cold water (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL).The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×20 mL), brine (15mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purifiedby flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc/hexanesto afford 23-2B3 (0.14 g, 0.38 mmol, 11% yield) as a colorless liquid.

Ethyl 2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)propanoate (23-3B)

To a stirred solution of 23-2B3 (1.7 g, 4.67 mmol) in THF (20 mL) wasadded 1M TBAF in THF solution (8.0 mL, 8.0 mmol) at 0° C., and stirredat RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with water andextracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL), the combined organic layers were washedwith brine (25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford 23-3B(1 g, 4 mmol, 86%) as a yellow thick liquid.

{2-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-acetic acidtert-butyl ester (23-4A)

Methane sulfonyl chloride (0.13 mL, 1.59 mmol) was added to a solutionof 23-3A (0.42 g, 1.59 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) and triethylamine (0.33 mL,2.38 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (50 mL) extracted with DCM (3×20 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc in hexanes to afford23-4A (0.3 g, 0.87 mmol, 55% yield) as gummy liquid.

2-{2-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionic acidethyl ester (23-4B)

Step-B above was adapted using 23-3B (1 g, 4.0 mmol) to prepare 23-4B(1.3 g, 99%).

{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-aceticacid tert-butyl ester (23-5A)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (0.1 g, 0.24 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (0.10 g, 0.74 mmol) followed by 23-4A (0.12 g,0.37 mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI at 80° C. for 10 hr. The reactionmixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (25 mL) washed withwater (2×20 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica)using 30% EtOAc/pet. ether to afford 23-5A (0.06 g, 0.09 mmol, 62%yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 693.3 (M+1)⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionicacid ethyl ester (23-5B)

Step C above was adapted using 23-4B (0.15 g, 0.37 mmol) to prepare23-5B (0.14 g, 59%). MS (ESI): m/z 635.1 (M+1)⁺.

{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-aceticacid ethyl ester (23-5C)

Step C above was also adapted using 23-4C (382 mg, 1.22 mmol) to prepare23-5C (355 mg 70%). MS (ESI): m/z 621.1 (M+1)⁺.

Method-A{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-aceticacid (23-6A)

To a stirred solution of 23-5A (0.06 g, 0.09 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) wasadded TFA (1 mL) at 0° C. and reaction was continued stirring at RT for1 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC), solvents removed byrotavapor. The crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH/DCM to afford 23-6A (0.005 g, 0.008 mmol,8.9% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 615.3 (M+23)⁺.

Method-B2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionicacid (23-6B)

To a stirred solution of 23-5B (0.14 g, 0.220 mmol) in THF and water (8mL; 4:1) was added LiOH (0.02 g, 0.66 mmol) at 0° C. and the reactionwas continued at RT for 3 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents evaporated at rotary evaporator, residue extracted with ether(20 mL). Then aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (5 mL) followedby extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). The combined organic layers werewashed with brine (2×25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Thecrude residue was purified by washed with pentane and ether to afford23-6B (0.08 g, 0.13 mmol, 60% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI):m/z 607.0 (M+1)⁺.

5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-({2-[2-(2-hydroxycarbamoylmethoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (23-6C)

To a stirred solution of NH₂OH.HCl (1 g, 14.34 mmol) in MeOH (1.5 mL)was added KOH (1.2 g, 21.51 mmol) in MeOH at 0° C. Freshly preparedsolution of hydroxylamine (2 mL) in MeOH was added to the solution of23-5C (50 mg, 0.08 mmol) in MeOH at 0° C. and reaction was continued atRT for 1 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC), solvents evaporatedunder reduced pressure, then added water and neutralized with 1N HCl (5mL) followed by extraction with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined organiclayers were washed with brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified with prep-TLC to afford23-6C (15 mg, 0.02 mmol, 30% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z608.7 (M+1)⁺.

6-({2-[2-(2-Carbamoylmethoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethyl}-methanesulfonyl-amino)-5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (23-7A)

To a stirred solution of 23-6A (0.03 g, 0.50 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) wasadded HATU (0.57 g, 1.52 mmol), DIPEA (0.4 mL, 2.53 mmol) and ammoniumchloride (0.054 g, 1.01 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 4 hr. Thereaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM (3×25mL). The combined organic layer washed with brine (25 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 5% MeOH-DCM to afford 23-7A (0.15g, 0.25 mmol, 51% yield) as gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 592.2 (M+1)⁺.

Example 24 Ethyl 3-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-propanoate(24-1)

To a stirred solution of 2,2′-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))diethanol 23-1 (2g, 13.3 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was added NaH (0.48 g, 0.012 mmol) at 0°C., and reaction was continued at RT for 2 hr. Ethyl 3-bromopropanoate(2.16 g, 0.012 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added to reaction mixture at 0°C. for 5 min and reaction was continued at RT for 16 hr. The reactionmixture was quenched with ice cold water (100 mL) and extracted withEtOAc (3×200 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water(2×50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The cruderesidue was purified by flash column chromatography (230-400 silica)using 50% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 24-1 (150 mg, 0.6 mmol, 5% yield) as acolorless liquid.

2-(2-(Tetra hydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy ethanol (24-2)

To a stirred solution of 24-1 (500 mg, 2 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was addedtriethylamine (0.36 mL, 2.6 mmol) and methane sulfonyl chloride (0.2 mL,2.4 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (40 mL) and washed with water (2×20 mL), brine(20 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude compound was purified using 230-400 silicagel column chromatography using 80% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 24-2 (390mg, 1.18 mmol, 60% yield) as a colorless liquid.

3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionicacid ethyl ester (24-3)

To a solution of 1-12 (370 mg, 0.92 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (470 mg, 1.15 mmol) followed by 24-2 (380 mg, 1.15mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI and stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (30 mL) washedwith water (2×20 mL), brine (15 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and theorganic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudecompound was purified using 230-400 silica gel column chromatographyusing 5% acetone in DCM to afford the title compound 24-3 (420 mg, 0.66mmol, 71% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 634.80 (M+1)⁺.

3-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-propionicacid (24-4)

To a stirred solution of 24-3 (250 mg, 0.4 mmol) in THF and water (4 mL,4:1) was added LiOH (56 mg, 2.0 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 16 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents were evaporated at rotary evaporator. The crude residueextracted with ether (2×30 mL). Aqueous layer was neutralized with 1NHCl (10 mL) followed by extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by washings with diethylether and pentane to afford 24-4 (50 mg, 0.08 mmol, 20% yield) as whitesolid. MS (ESI): m/z 606.85 (M+1)⁺.

Example 25 Ethyl2-phenyl-2-(2-(2-(2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)acetate(25-1)

To a stirred solution of ethyl mandalate (0.6 g, 3.33 mmol) in THF (30mL) was added NaH (0.16 g, 42.1 mmol) at 0° C., and the reaction wascontinued at RT for 30 min.2-(2-(2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethyl methanesulfonate 14-1 (1.14 g, 3.66 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added to reactionmixture at 0° C. for 5 min, and reaction was warmed to RT and continuedstirring for 16 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched with ice coldwater (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). The combined organiclayers were washed with water (2×20 mL), brine (15 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 25-1(0.14 g, 0.36 mmol, 11% yield) as a yellow thick liquid. MS (ESI): m/z414.3 (M+18)⁺.

Ethyl 2-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-2-phenylacetate (25-2)

To a stirred solution of 25-1 (1.6 g, 4.04 mmol) in MeOH (20 mL) wasadded pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (0.1 g, 0.40 mmol) at 0° C., andstirred at RT for 1 h. The solvents were distilled off under reducedpressure. The crude residue was extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL), thecombined organic layers were washed with brine (25 mL), dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 5% MeOH/DCM to afford 25-2 (0.74g, 2.37 mmol, 58% yield) as a yellow thick liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 330.2(M+18)⁺.

{2-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-phenyl-acetic acidethyl ester (25-3)

Methane sulfonyl chloride (0.1 mL, 1.28 mmol) was added to a solution of25-2 (0.4 g, 1.28 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and triethylamine (0.27 mL, 1.92mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (25 mL), extracted with DCM (3×25 mL). The combinedorganic layers were washed with brine (25 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc in hexanes to afford25-3 (0.4 g, 1.025 mmol, 80% yield) as gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 408.2(M+18)⁺.

{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-phenyl-aceticacid ethyl ester (25-4)

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (0.29 g, 0.721 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) wasadded K₂CO₃ (0.2 g, 2.163 mmol) followed by 25-3 (0.33 g, 0.86 mmol),catalytic amount of TBAI at 80° C. for 16 hr. The reaction mixture wascooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (25 mL) washed with water (2×20 mL),brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residuewas purified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 5%MeOH-DCM to afford 25-4 (0.2 g, 0.28 mmol, 40% yield) as an off-whitesolid. MS (ESI): m/z 718.9 (M+23)⁺.

{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-phenyl-aceticacid (25-5)

To a stirred solution of 25-4 (0.08 g, 0.114 mmol) in THF and water (6mL; 4:1) was added LiOH (0.02 g, 0.46 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction wascontinued at RT for 2 hr. After completion of the reaction (by TLC),solvents were evaporated at rotary evaporator, residue extracted withether (25 mL). The aqueous layer was neutralized with 1N HCl (5 mL)followed by extracted with EtOAc (3×15 mL). The combined organic layerswere washed with brine (2×15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The crude residue was purified by washed with pentane and ether gave25-5 (40 mg, 0.06 mmol, 52% yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z669.1 (M+1)⁺.

5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-[(2-{2-[2-(hydroxycarbamoyl-phenyl-methoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (25-6)

To a stirred solution of hydroxyl amine hydrochloride (1 g, 14.34 mmol)in MeOH (1.5 mL) was added KOH (1.2 g, 21.51 mmol) in MeOH at 0° C.Freshly prepared solution of hydroxylamine (1 mL) in MeOH was added tothe solution of 25-4 (150 mg, 0.22 mmol) in MeOH at 0° C. and reactionwas continued at RT for 1 hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC),solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure, then added water andneutralized with 1N HCl (5 mL) followed by extraction with EtOAc (3×20mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (2×20 mL), driedover Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude residue was purified withprep-TLC to afford 25-6 (70 mg, 0.12 mmol, 50% yield) as an off-whitesolid. MS (ESI): m/z 683.9 (M+1)⁺.

Example 26 2-(2-(2-(Trityloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethanol (26-1)

To a stirred solution of 23-1 (1 g, 6.66 mmol) in DCM (25 mL) was addedTrityl chloride (1.67 g, 5.99 mmol) and triethylamine (1.7 mL, 13.32mmol) at 0° C. and stirring continued at RT for 4 hr under nitrogenatmosphere. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (2×50 mL) andextracted with DCM (3×50 mL). The combined organic layers wereevaporated under reduced pressure and the crude residue was purified byflash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 25% EtOAc/pet. etherto afford 26-1 (900 mg, 2.29 mmol, 34% yield) as an off-white solid.

tert-Butyl1-(2-(2-(2-(trityloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)cyclopentanecarboxylate(26-2)

To a solution of 26-1 (8 g, 20.4 mmol) in THF (100 mL) added NaH (880mg, 18.37 mmol) portion wise at 0° C. then stirred for 1 hr and thenadded the solution of t-butylbromo acetate (8 g, 40.82 mmol) in THF (50mL) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 24 hr. The reaction mixture wasquenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution (300 mL) and dilutedwith EtOAc (400 mL), washed with water (100 mL), and dried over Na₂SO₄,and the organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure to getcrude compound. Obtained crude was purified using silica gelchromatography (10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 26-2 (4.5 g, 8.9 mmol,43% yield) as a colorless gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 524.2 (M+1)⁺.

tert-Butyl1-(2-(2-(2-(trityloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)cyclopentanecarboxylate(26-3A)

To a solution of 26-2 (500 mg, 0.98 mmol) and 1,4-diiodobutane (459 mg,1.48 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added lithium diisopropylamide (LDA; 2 Min THF) (1.97 mL, 1.97 mmol) at −40° C., and the reaction was stirred atRT for 1 hr. The reaction was quenched with saturated NH₄Cl solution (50mL) and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL), washed with water (20 mL), and driedover Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase was concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude compound was purified using silica gelchromatography (10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 26-3A (170 mg, 0.30mmol, 40% yield) as a colorless oily liquid. Confirmed by ¹H NMR.

tert-Butyl12,12-dimethyl-1,1,1-triphenyl-2,5,8,11-tetraoxatridecan-13-oate (26-3B)

To a solution of 26-2 (700 mg, 1.78 mmol) in THF (10 mL) at −78° C. wasadded LiHMDS (1 M in THF) (4.1 mL, 4.1 mmol) followed by methyl iodide(0.4 mL, 5.35 mmol) in THF (8 mL) was added and stirred at sametemperature for 2 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched with saturatedammonium chloride solution (50 mL) and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL),washed with water (20 mL), and dried over Na₂SO₄. The organic phase wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purifiedusing silica gel chromatography (5% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 26-3B(500 mg, 0.93 mmol, 67% yield) as a colorless oily liquid. MS (ESI): m/z566.3[M+1]⁺.

tert-Butyl 5-((5-hydroxypentyl)-oxy)-2-methylpentanoate (26-4A)

To a solution of 26-3A (1.5 g, 2.67 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) was added 3.8mL of triisopropyl silane and 0.8 mL of TFA at 0° C. and stirred for 5min. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL) washed withwater (100 mL), brine (50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified using silica gel chromatography (60% EtOAc in hexanes) toafford 26-4A (800 mg, 2.51 mmol, 94% yield) as a colorless oily liquid.

(26-3B) (500 mg, 0.94 mmol) was substituted for [26-3A in the aboveprocedure to prepare [26-4B (210 mg, 77%).

Ethyl4-((2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)-1-naphthoate1-{2-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-cyclopentanecarboxylicacid tert-butyl ester (26-5A)

Methanesulfonyl chloride (430 mg, 3.77 mmol) at 0° C. was added to asolution of 26-4A (800 mg, 2.51 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and triethylamine(635 mg, 6.28 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (100 mL) and washed with water (100 mL), brine(50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude compound was purified using 100-200 silicagel filter column chromatography to afford 26-5A (600 mg, 1.515 mmol,60% yield) as a pale brownish oily liquid.

Step-E above was adapted using 26-4B (210 mg, 0.72 mmol) substituted for26-4A to prepare 26-5B (200 mg, 75%).

1-[2-(2-{2-[(5-Cyclopropyl-3-methylcarbamoyl-2-p-tolyl-benzofuran-6-yl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-ethoxy}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-cyclopentanecarboxylicacid tert-butyl ester (26-6A)

To a solution of 1-12 (507 mg, 1.26 mmol) in DMF (6 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (528 mg, 3.78 mmol) followed by 26-5A (600 mg, 1.51mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (100 mL) washedwith water (100 mL), brine (50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and theorganic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudecompound was purified using 100-200 silica gel column chromatography(50% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 26-6A (156 mg, 0.22 mmol, 17% yield) asa colorless gummy liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 720.3 (M+18)⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-2-methyl-propionicacid tert-butyl ester (26-6B)

26-5B (100 mg, 0.26 mmol) was substituted for 26-5A in the aboveprocedure to prepare 26-6B (102 mg, 84%). MS (ESI): m/z 694.3 (M+23)⁺.

1-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-cyclopentanecarboxylicacid (26-7A)

To a solution of 26-6A (80 mg, 0.12 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added TFA at0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. After completion of the reaction asindicated by TLC, to the reaction mixture added water and then extractedwith excess DCM. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude compound was purified by Prep TLC toafford 26-7A (50 mg, 0.07 mmol, 68% yield) as white solid. MS (ESI): m/z646.9 (M+1)⁺.

2-{2-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-2-methyl-propionicacid (26-7B)

Starting from Step-D in the procedure described above, 26-3B wassubstituted for 26-3A, and Steps D-G were adapted to prepare 26-7B. MS(ESI): m/z 620.95 [M+1]⁺.

5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-[(2-{2-[2-(1-hydroxycarbamoyl-1-methyl-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-ethyl)-methanesulfonyl-amino]-benzofuran-3-carboxylicacid methylamide (26-8B)

To a stirred solution of 26-7B (30 mg, 0.048 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) wasadded NH₂OH.HCl (5 mg, 0.07 mmol), HATU (36.8 mg, 0.09 mmol) and DIPEA(187 mg, 1.45 mmol) at 0° C. and the reaction was continued at RT for 16hr. After completion of the reaction (TLC), solvents evaporated underreduced pressure, then added water and neutralized with 1N HCl (5 mL)followed by extraction with EtOAc (3×20 mL).The combined organic layerswere washed with brine (2×20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated.The residue was purified with preparative HPLC to afford 26-8B (5 mg,0.07 mmol, 16% yield) as a brown solid. MS (ESI): m/z 636.26 [M+1]⁺.

Example 27 ((2-Bromoethoxy)-methanetrityl)tribenzene (27-2)

To a stirred solution of 2-bromoethanol 27-1 (10 g, 80.0 mmol) in DCM(250 mL) was added trityl chloride (20 g, 72 mmol) and triethylamine(22.4 mL, 160 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for10 hr under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was diluted withwater and extracted with DCM (3×500 mL). The combined organic layerswere evaporated under reduced pressure and the crude residue waspurified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 5%EtOAc/pet. ether to afford 27-2 (16 g, 43.71 mmol, 54% yield) as anoff-white solid.

5-(2-(Trityloxy)-ethoxy)-pentan-1-ol (27-3)

To a stirred solution of 27-2 (3 g, 15.95 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was addedNaH (0.96 g, 23.96 mmol) at 0° C. and reaction was warmed to RT for 30min. Pentane-1,5-diol (6 g, 17.55 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added toreaction mixture at 0° C. for 5 min. and the reaction was continued atRT for 16 hr. The reaction was quenched with ice cold water (100 mL) andextracted with EtOAc (3×150 mL). The combined organic layers were washedwith water (2×100 mL), brine (150 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude residue was purified by flash columnchromatography (100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 27-3(1 g, 2.56 mmol, 17% yield) as a yellow thick liquid.

tert-Butyl 2-(5-(2-(trityloxy)-ethoxy)-pentyloxy)acetate (27-5A)

To a solution of 27-3 (1.95 g, 10.25 mmol) and 23-2A (1.95 g, 10.25mmol) in toluene (20 mL) and 5N NaOH (aq.) (20 mL) was added tetran-butyl ammonium hydrogen sulfate (800 mg, 2.05 mmol) and stirred at RTfor 48 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL), washedwith water (100 mL), brine (50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and theorganic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudecompound was purified using silica gel chromatography (6% EtOAc inhexanes) to afford 27-5A (1 g, 1.984 mmol, 77% yield) as a colorlessoily liquid.

tert-Butyl 2-(5-(2-hydroxyethoxy) pentyloxy)acetate (27-6A)

To a solution of 27-5A (1 g, 1.98 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added 0.5 mLof tri isopropyl silane (TIS) and 0.5 mL of TFA at 0° C. and stirred for5 min. The reaction was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL) washed with water(100 mL), brine (50 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purifiedusing silica gel chromatography (40% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 27-6A(300 mg, 1.14 mmol, 58% yield) as a colorless oily liquid.

[5-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-pentyloxy]-acetic acid tert-butyl ester(27-7A)

Methanesulfonyl chloride (195 mg, 1.71 mmol) at 0° C. was added to asolution of 27-6A (300 mg, 1.14 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) and triethylamine(231 mg, 2.29 mmol) and stirred at RT for 2 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (50 mL) and washed with water (50 mL), brine (20mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄. The organic layer was concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude residue was purified using 100-200 silicagel column chromatography (30% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 27-7A (320mg, 0.94 mmol, 82% yield) as a colorless oily liquid.

[5-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-pentyloxy]-aceticacid tert-butyl ester (27-8A)

To a solution of 1-12 (315 mg, 0.78 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (325 mg, 2.35 mmol) followed by 27-7A (320 mg, 0.94mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed withwater (50 mL), brine (20 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue waspurified using 100-200 silica gel column chromatography (40% EtOAc inhexanes) to afford 27-8A (250 mg, 0.38 mmol, 49% yield) as a grayishsolid. MS (ESI): m/z 647.1 (M+1)⁺.

[5-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-pentyloxy]-aceticacid (27-9A)

To a solution of 27-8A (50 mg, 0.07 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added 0.5 mLof TFA at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 2 hr. After completion asindicated by TLC, to the reaction mixture add water (20 mL) and thenextracted with excess DCM (20 mL). The organic layer was washed withbrine, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated at reduced pressure. The cruderesidue was purified by prep TLC to afford 27-9A (12 mg, 0.02 mmol, 25%yield) as a white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 589.6 (M+1)⁺.

2-[5-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-pentyloxy]-propionicacid (27-9B)

Starting from Step-C in the procedure described above, 2-bromo-propionicacid tert-butyl ester 27-4B was substituted for 27-4A, and Steps C-Gwere adapted to prepare 27-9B. MS (ESI): m/z 603.5 (M+1)⁺.

Example 28 tert-Butyl 5-bromopentanoate (28-2A)

To a solution of 28-1A (5 g, 27.62 mmol) in DCM, added oxalyl chloride(5.2 g, 41.436 mmol) and catalytic amount of DMF at 0° C. and stirred atRT for 30 min, then added t-BuOH (8.2 g, 110.49 mmol) at 0° C. andstirred at RT for 15 min. The reaction mixture completely distilled off,then added water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organiclayer washed with water (50 mL), NaHCO₃ solution (50 mL) and dried overNa₂SO₄, and the organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure.The crude compound was purified using silica gel chromatography (3%EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 28-2A (5 g, 21.18 mmol, 77% yield) as acolorless oily liquid.

tert-Butyl 5-bromo-2-methylpentanoate (28-2B)

To a solution of propionic acid tert-butyl ester 28-1B (300 mg, 2.30mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added 1,3-dibromopropane (0.35 mL, 3.46 mmol)and LDA in THF (2.3 mL, 4.61 mmol) at −40° C. and stirred for 2 hr. Thereaction was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution andextracted with EtOAc (100 mL) washed with water (100 mL), brine (50 mL)and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase was concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude compound was purified using silica gelchromatography (40% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 28-2B (290 mg, 1.16mmol, 51% yield) as a pale yellow oily liquid.

tert-Butyl 5-(5-(trityloxy)-pentyloxy)-pentanoate (28-4A)

To a solution of 5-trityloxy-pentan-1-ol 28-3 (551 mg, 1.588 mmol) and28-2A (1.5 g, 6.35 mmol) in toluene (6 mL) and 5N aq. NaOH (20 mL) wasadded tetra n-butyl ammonium hydrogen sulfate (495 mg, 1.27 mmol) andstirred at 50° C. for 48 hr. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc(100 mL), washed with water (100 mL), brine (50 mL) and dried overNa₂SO₄, and the organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure.The crude compound was purified using silica gel chromatography (3%EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 28-4A (220 mg, 0.43 mmol, 27% yield) as acolorless oily liquid.

tert-Butyl 5-((5-hydroxypentyl)-oxy)-pentanoate (28-5A)

To a solution of 28-4A (220 mg, 0.44 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was addedtriisopropyl silane (TIS; 5 mL) and TFA (0.1 mL) at 0° C. and stirredfor 5 min. The reaction was diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed with water(50 mL), brine (25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purifiedusing silica gel chromatography (50% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 28-5A(40 mg, 0.15 mmol, 33% yield) as a colorless oily liquid.

tert-Butyl 5-((5-((methylsulfonyl)-oxy)-pentyl)-oxy)-pentanoate (28-6A)

Methanesulfonyl chloride (26 mg, 0.23 mmol) at 0° C. was added to asolution of 28-5A (40 mg, 0.15 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) and triethylamine (39mg, 0.38 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with excess DCM (20 mL) and washed with water (20 mL), brine (10mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude compound was purified using 100-200 silicagel column chromatography (40% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford 28-6A (45 mg,0.133 mmol, 86% yield) as a brownish oily liquid.

5-(5-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-pentyloxy)-pentanoicacid tert-butyl ester (28-7A)

To a solution of 1-12 (281 mg, 0.69 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was addedpotassium carbonate (290 mg, 2.09 mmol) followed by 28-6A (260 mg, 0.76mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr. Thereaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (50 mL) washed withwater (50 mL), brine (20 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified using 100-200 silica gel column chromatography (40% EtOAc inhexanes) to afford 28-7A (180 mg, 0.279 mmol, 36% yield) as a grayishsolid. MS (ESI): m/z 645.0 (M+1)⁺.

5-((5-(N-(5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)benzofuran-6-yl)-methylsulfonamido)-pentyl)-oxy)-pentanoic acid (28-8A)

To a solution of 28-7A (18 mg, 0.03 mmol) in DCM (1 mL) was added TFA at0° C. and stirred at RT for 16 hr. After completion of the reaction (byTLC), water (10 mL) was added, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc(10 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by prep TLC to afford28-8A (8 mg, 0.014 mmol, 50% yield) as a grayish solid. MS (ESI): m/z586.9 (M+1)⁺.

5-(5-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-pentyloxy)-2-methyl-pentanoicacid (28-8B)

Starting from Step-B in the procedure described above, 28-2B wassubstituted for 28-2A, and Steps B-F were adapted to prepare 28-8B. MS(ESI): m/z 603.5 (M+1)⁺.

Example 29 Methyl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-nitrobenzoate (29-2)

To a stirred solution of 4-(methoxycarbonyl)-3-nitrobenzoic acid 29-1 (5g, 22.2 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was added, and oxalyl chloride (2.27 mL,26.6 mmol) and DMF (0.3 mL) was added at 0° C. The reaction mixture wasstirred at the same temperature for 1 hr. The organic solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure, and the residue was dissolved in DME (30mL). This solution was added to a suspension of sodium borohydride (3.3g, 88.8 mmol) in DME (20 mL) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred for 4hr. After completion of the reaction (by TLC), IN hydrochloric acid (50mL) was poured into the reaction mixture and extracted with EtOAc. Theorganic layer was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated.The crude compound was purified by column chromatography (100-200silica) using 25% EtOAc/pet. ether to afford 29-2 (3.7 g, 20.6 mmol,yield 80%) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 180.0 (M+1)⁺.

Methyl 4-(bromomethyl)-2-nitrobenzoate (29-3)

To a solution of 29-2 (3 g, 14.2 mmol) in DCM (80 mL) was added carbontetra bromide (5.17 g, 15.6 mmol), triphenyl phosphine (4.08 g, 15.6mmol), and stirred at 0° C. to RT for 4 hr. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with DCM (50 mL), washed with water (100 mL), brine (100 mL) anddried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phase was concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 10% EtOAc in hexane) to afford 29-3 (2.5 g, 9.19mmol, 65% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 244.0 (M-NO₂+18)⁺.

Methyl2-nitro-4-((2-(2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-ethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)benzoate(29-4)

To a stirred solution of 2-4A (1.5 g, 7.8 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was addedNaH (187 mg, 7.8 mmol) at 0° C., and reaction was continued at RT for 30min. Then, 29-3 (2.34 g, 8.58 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added to thereaction mixture at 0° C. over 5 min. and reaction was continued at RTfor 16 hr. The reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water (100mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL), the combined organic layerswere washed with water (2×100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ andconcentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 20% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 29-4 (1.1 g, 2.87mmol, 31% yield) as a yellow thick liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 300.0(M−THP+1)⁺.

Methyl 4-((2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethoxy)-methyl)-2-nitrobenzoate (29-5)

To a stirred solution of 29-4 (1.1 g, 2.87 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) wasadded PPTS (72 mg, 0.28 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 12 hr. Thereaction mixture was distilled off and diluted with excess EtOAc (20mL), washed with water (20 mL), brine (10 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, andthe organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crudecompound. The crude was purified by flash column chromatography (100-200silica) using 40% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 29-5 (600 mg, 2.01 mmol, 69%yield) as light yellow liquid. MS (ESI): m/z 300.0 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-Methanesulfonyloxy-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-nitro-benzoic acidmethyl ester (29-6)

To a stirred solution of 29-5 (600 mg, 2.01 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) wasadded triethylamine (0.67 mL, 4.81 mmol) and methanesulfonyl chloride(0.19 mL, 2.41 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred at RT for 1 hr. The reactionmixture was diluted with excess DCM (50 mL) and washed with water (50mL), brine (30 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic phaseconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound was purified bycolumn chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30% EtOAc/hexane to afford29-6 (610 mg, 1.62 mmol, 80% yield). MS (ESI): m/z 378.0 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-nitro-benzoicacid methyl ester

To a stirred solution of 1-12 (544 mg, 1.35 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) wasadded potassium carbonate (560 mg, 4.06 mmol) followed by 29-6 (610 mg,1.62 mmol), catalytic amount of TBAI then stirred at 70° C. for 16 hr.The reaction was cooled to RT and diluted with EtOAc (40 mL) washed withwater (20 mL), brine (20 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified by column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 30%EtOAc/hexane to afford 29-7 (530 mg, 0.775 mmol, 57% yield) as a paleyellow solid. MS (ESI): m/z 683.0 (M+1)⁺.

4-[2-(2-{[5-Cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-2-nitro-benzoicacid

To a solution of 29-7 (200 mg, 0.292 mmol) in MeOH, THF and water(1:4:1) (8 mL) was added LiOH.H₂O (42 mg, 1.75 mmol) and stirred at RTfor 16 hr. After completion of the reaction as indicated by TLC, thereaction mixture was neutralized with 1N HCl and then extracted withEtOAc. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) andconcentrated. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH/DCM to afford 29-8 (80 mg, 0.12 mmol, 40%yield) as an off-white solid. MS (ESI): m/z 670.0 (M+1)⁺.

2-Amino-4-[2-(2-{[5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid methyl ester (29-9)

To a stirred solution of 29-7 (200 mg, 0.292 mmol) in THF/water (1:1, 8mL) was added zinc (114 mg, 1.756 mmol) and NH₄Cl (93 mg, 1.756 mmol) atRT and stirred at 70° C. for 4 hr. After completion of the reaction asindicated by TLC, the reaction mixture was filtered. The reactionmixture was distilled off and diluted with excess EtOAc (20 mL), washedwith water (20 mL), brine (10 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organicphase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude compound waspurified by flash column chromatography (100-200 silica) using 40% EtOAcin hexane to afford 29-9 (140 mg, 0.21 mmol, 73% yield) as a yellowishsolid. MS (ESI): m/z 654.0 (M+1)⁺.

2-Amino-4-[2-(2-{[5-cyclopropyl-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-methylcarbamoyl-benzofuran-6-yl]-methanesulfonyl-amino}-ethoxy)-ethoxymethyl]-benzoicacid (29-10)

To a solution of 29-9 (90 mg, 0.137 mmol) in MeOH, THF and water (1:4:1,4 mL) was added LiOH.H₂O (20 mg, 0.826 mmol) and stirred at RT for 16hr. After completion of the reaction as indicated by TLC, the reactionmixture was neutralized with 1N HCl and then extracted with EtOAc. Theorganic layer was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated toget crude compound. This crude was purified by column chromatography(100-200 silica) using 2% MeOH/DCM, followed by washing with DCM andpentane to afford 29-10 (40 mg, 0.119 mmol, 45% yield) as an off-whitesolid. MS (ESI): m/z 640.0 (M+1)⁺.

Example 30

The following compounds were made by methods generally in accord withthose described above, using suitable reagents and conventionaladaptation of reaction conditions. Esters and other carboxylic acidderivatives were prepared from, or converted to, the correspondingcarboxylic acid compounds using conventional methods.

Example 31

RNA-Dependent RNA HCV NS5B (Polymerase) Assay and IC₅₀ Determination.

The reaction mixtures consisted of 50 mM Hepes-KOH, pH 7.5, 5 mM MgCl₂,5 mM DTT, 2% glycerol, 0.01% Triton® X-100, 0.5 uM polyA:U16 substrate,purified HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, 10 μM UTP, and ³²P-UTP(Perkin Elmer). The reaction mixtures incubated at 30° C. for 60minutes, and then filtered through Zeta probe membrane (BioRad). Thefilter was washed with 5×SSC (75 mM sodium citrate, pH 7 and 750 mMNaCl), and the radiolabeled RNA products were quantitated by microbeta(Perkin Elmer). For IC₅₀ determination, different concentrations ofinhibitors were added to the polymerase reaction mixtures, and incubatedat 37° C. for 60 minutes. IC₅₀ values were determined using GraFit(Erithaus software).

Table 1 presents IC₅₀ data obtained using the biochemical assay to testrepresentative compounds. Data are presented as follows: “+++” means<0.1μM; “++” means≧0.1 μM but <1.0 μM; “+” means≧1.0 μM.

TABLE 1 Compound IC₅₀ (μM) 02-10A ++ 02-10B + 02-10B + 02-10C ++02-10E + 02-10F + 02-10G + 02-10H + 02-10I + 02-10J + 02-8A + 02-8B +02-8D + 02-8E + 02-8F + 02-8H + 02-8I + 02-9C + 02-9H + 03-6A + 03-8A ++03-8B + 04-10 + 04-5 + 05-4A + 05-4B + 06-6A ++ 06-6B + 06-6C + 06-6D ++06-6E ++ 06-6F + 06-7A ++ 06-7B ++ 06-7C ++ 06-7D ++ 06-7E ++ 06-7F +++06-8B1 + 06-8B2 + 06-8B3 ++ 06-8B4 ++ 06-8B5 ++ 06-8B6 ++ 06-8B7 ++06-8B8 ++ 07-7 + 07-10 + 08-6 ++ 09-14A ++ 09-14B + 09-14C + 09-14D +09-14E + 09-14F + 10-3A + 10-3B + 10-4A + 10-4B + 11-5A ++ 11-5B +11-5C + 11-6A +++ 11-6B +++ 11-6C ++ 12-6A ++ 12-7A +++ 12-7B +++ 12-7C++ 13-7A ++ 13-7B ++ 13-7C ++ 13-7D ++ 13-8A ++ 13-8B ++ 13-8C ++ 13-8D++ 14-6A ++ 14-6B + 14-6C + 14-7A +++ 14-7B ++ 14-7C ++ 15-7 ++ 15-8 ++16-6 + 16-7 ++ 17A-8A ++ 17A-8B + 17B-8 ++ 18-9A + 18-9B + 18-10A ++18-10B +++ 19-8A +++ 19-8B +++ 20-7 ++ 20-8 +++ 21-5 +++ 22-12 + 23-5A +23-6A ++ 23-6B ++ 23-6C ++ 23-7A ++ 24-4 ++ 25-4 + 25-5 ++ 25-6 +26-6A + 26-6B + 26-7A +++ 26-7B ++ 26-8B + 27-8A + 27-9A ++ 27-9B ++28-7A + 28-8A +++ 28-8B +++ 29-7 ++ 29-8 ++ 29-9 ++ 29-10 ++ 30-1 +30-2 + 30-3 + 30-4 + 30-5 + 30-6 + 30-7 + 30-8 + 30-9 + 30-10 + 30-11 +30-12 + 30-13 + 30-14 + 30-15 + 30-16 +

Example 32

HCV Replicon Assay and EC₅₀ Determination.

HCV replicon assay is based on the luciferase reporter cell line(Huh-luc/neo-ET). This reporter cell line is a human liver carcinomacell line (Huh-7) stably transfected with an autonomously replicatingbicistronic HCV subgenomic RNA replicon (Lohmann et al., 1999, Science,285, 110-113). Inhibition of HCV RNA replication was monitored throughanalysis of reporter luciferase activity. Briefly, HCV replicon cellswere incubated with inhibitors for 72 hours at 37° C. After theincubation, duplicate plates were treated and incubated in parallel forassessment of cellular toxicity by XTT staining and anti-HCV activity bymeasurement of luciferase reporter activity. Either human interferonalpha 2B or ribavirin was used as a reference compound. EC₅₀ values weredetermined using GraFit (Erithaus software) or Excel.

Table 2 presents EC₅₀ data obtained using this HCV replicaon assay totest representative compounds. Data are presented as follows: “+++”means<0.1 μM; “++” means≧0.1 μM and <1.0 μM; “+” means≧1.0 μM.

TABLE 2 Compound EC₅₀ (μM)  2-8A +++  2-10A +++  2-10E ++  2-10F +++ 3-8B +++ 04-5 ++ 06-7A +++ 06-7B ++ 06-7C +++ 08-6 ++ 09-14A ++ 09-14C++ 09-14E ++ 09-14F ++ 13-8C +++ 13-8D +++ 16-7 +++ 17A-8A +++ 17B-8 ++22-12 +++ 23-6A ++ 23-6B +++ 23-6C +++ 25-5 ++

All publications, including but not limited to patents and patentapplications, cited in this specification are incorporated by referenceherein for all that they disclose, as if each individual publicationwere specifically and individually set forth in its entirety.

While a number of aspects and embodiments of this invention have beendescribed, the basic examples and general formulas and schemata may bealtered to provide other embodiments that utilize the compounds andmethods of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that thescope of this invention is to be defined by the appended claims ratherthan by the specific embodiments that have been represented by way ofexample.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound having the structure:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: L is (a):—(CH₂)_(x)—[O(CH₂)_(w)]_(y)—O—(CR^(d) ₂)_(z)—, in which each R^(d) isselected from hydrogen, methyl, and phenyl, or both R^(d) together withthe carbon to which they are attached form C₃₋₅cycloalkyl; w is 2 to 4;x is 2 to 6; and y and z are each independently 0 to 5, with the provisothat when y is 0, then (x+z) is 4 to 11; or (b):—(CH₂)_(m)-G¹-C(O)-G²-C(R^(b))₂-G³-C(O)-G⁴-(CR^(c) ₂)_(n)—, in which mis 1 or 2; n is 0 to 5; each of G¹, G², G³, and G⁴ is independentlynull, O, or NR^(a); R^(a) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, eachR^(b) is selected from hydrogen and methyl, or both R^(b) together withthe carbon to which they are attached form C₃₋₅cycloalkyl, each R^(c) isindependently hydrogen or methyl; and A is selected from C₁₋₃alkyl,—C(O)CH₃, —CO₂H, —CONHOH, —CO₂—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C(O)NH₂, —NH₂, hydroxyl,chloropyridinyl, —OC₁ 2alkylene-CO₂H, —OC₁₋₂alkylene-CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl,—SC(O)CH₃,

in which D is —C(O)CH₃, —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂H,—(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂C₁₋₅alkyl, —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CONHOH, —C(O)CH═C(OH)CO₂H,—C(O)CH═C(OH)CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl, —CO₂CH₂C(O)NH₂, —CO₂CH₂SC₁₋₄alkyl, —CO₂Bn, or—CO₂CH₂CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl, and E is null, halo, C₁₋₄alkyl, —OC₁ 4alkyl,—NH—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₀₋₃alkylene-NH₂, or NO₂.
 2. A compound according toclaim 1, wherein E is null, fluoro, methyl, NH₂ or NO₂.
 3. A compoundaccording to claim 1 or 2, in which x=2, w=2, y=1, and z=1.
 4. Acompound according to claim 1 or 2, in which x=3, y=1, and z=1.
 5. Acompound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein y is 1 to
 4. 6. A compoundaccording to claim 1 or 2, wherein L is—(CH₂)_(x)—(OCH₂CH₂)_(y)—O—(CH₂)_(z)—.
 7. A compound according to claim1 or 2, wherein L is—(CH₂)_(m)-G¹-C(O)-G²-C(R^(b))₂-G³-C(O)-G⁴-(CH₂)_(n)—.
 8. A compoundaccording to claim 7, wherein G¹ is null and G² is NH.
 9. A compoundaccording to claim 7 or 8, wherein G³ is null and G⁴ is NH.
 10. Acompound according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein A is —CO₂H,—CONHOH, —CO₂—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C(O)NH₂, —OC₁₋₂alkylene-CO₂H, or—OC₁₋₂alkylene-CO₂C₁₋₄alkyl.
 11. A compound according to any one ofclaims 1 to 9, wherein A is

D is —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂H, —(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CO₂C₁₋₅alkyl, or—(C₀₋₃alkylene)-CONHOH, and E is null.
 12. A compound according to claim11, in which D is at the para or meta position on the phenyl group. 13.A compound according to claim 1, wherein L is—(CH₂)_(x)—[O(CH₂)_(w)]_(y)—O—(CR^(d) ₂)_(z)—.
 14. A compound accordingto claim 13, wherein A is


15. A compound according to claim 13 or 14, wherein D is —CO₂H,—CO₂C₁₋₅alkyl, or —CONHOH.
 16. A compound according to any one of claims13-15, wherein D is —CO₂H.
 17. A compound according to any one of claims13-16, wherein E is null.
 18. A compound according to any one of claims13-17, wherein x is 4 to
 6. 19. A compound according to any one ofclaims 13-18, wherein y is 0 to 1 and w is
 2. 20. A compound accordingto any one of claims 13-19, wherein z is 0 to
 2. 21. A compoundaccording to any one of claims 13-20, wherein x is
 5. 22. A compoundaccording to any one of claims 13-21, wherein y is
 0. 23. A compoundaccording to any one of claims 13-22, wherein z is
 1. 24. A compoundaccording to any one of claims 13-23, wherein both R^(d) are hydrogen.25. A compound according to claim 1, wherein x=5, y=0, z=1, both R^(d)are hydrogen, A is

D is —CO₂H, and E is null.
 26. A compound according to claim 25, whereinD is at the para position on the phenyl group.
 27. A compound as listedin Table
 1. 28. A compound as listed in Table
 2. 29. A compositioncomprising a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 28 and atleast one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 30. A method fortreating or preventing hepatitis C virus infection or reactivation in ahost, comprising administering to the host a therapeutic amount of acompound according to any one of claims 1 to 28, or a compositionaccording to claim
 29. 31. A method for reducing a hepatitis C viruspolymerase activity in a host, comprising administering to the host atherapeutic amount of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 28,or a composition according to claim
 29. 32. A method for reducinghepatitis C virus replication in a host, comprising administering to thehost a therapeutic amount of a compound according to any one of claims 1to 28, or a composition according to claim
 29. 33. A method according toany of claims 30-32, further comprising administering to the host atleast one active agent selected from the group consisting ofinterferons, ribavirin, nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors,non-nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4A proteaseinhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicase inhibitors, HCV NS4B inhibitors, and humancyclophilin inhibitors.
 34. A combination, comprising a compound of anyof claims 1-28, together with at least one active agent selected frominterferons, ribavirin, nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors,non-nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, HCV NS3-4A proteaseinhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entry inhibitors, HCV NS3inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicase inhibitors, HCV NS4B inhibitors, and humancyclophilin inhibitors.
 35. A combination, comprising a composition ofclaim 29, together with a composition comprising at least one activeagent selected from interferons, ribavirin, nucleoside HCV NS5Bpolymerase inhibitors, non-nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors,HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors, HCV entryinhibitors, HCV NS3 inhibitors, HCV NS3 helicase inhibitors, HCV NS4Binhibitors, and human cyclophilin inhibitors and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient.